Rangers vs Astros Prediction - MLB Picks 7/25/23

Houston Astros (56-44) vs Texas Rangers (59-41)

Game Info: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 8:10 pm (Minute Maid Park)

J.P. France (5-3) (3.13) vs () ()

Betting Odds: Houston Astros / Texas Rangers --- Over/Under: 8.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers will face off in game two of their divisional series this Tuesday from Minute Maid Park. Houston took game one in walkoff fashion, 10-9.

Rangers Betting Preview

Texas moved to 59-42 after falling to Houston. The Rangers couldn’t hold off their in-state foes, and they’ll look to avoid dropping a consecutive division matchup Tuesday. The Texas offense is scoring 4.88 runs per game, while batting .272, with a .341 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 3.77 ERA, with a 1.20 WHIP. Marcus Semien had multiple hits on Monday, and he leads the team in hits (114) and runs (78), with splits of .271/14/61. Nathaniel Lowe has recorded a hit in eight straight contests, and he’s posting a line of .284/11/54. Josh Jung went yard in game one loss, and he’s now up to nineteen homers and 59 RBI for the season. Garcia leads the Rangers in home runs (24) and RBI (80).

Texas has yet to name a starter, indicating it could be a bullpen day.

Astros Betting Preview

Houston enters at 57-44 after defeating Texas. The Astros snuck away with a second straight ninth-inning victory, and they’ll aim for a third straight win here. The pitching staff carries a 3.32 ERA, with a 1.25 WHIP. Kyle Tucker brings a ten-game hit streak into this matchup, and he leads the Astros in hits (109), with splits of .303/17/68. Alex Bregman racked up three hits in the game one victory, and he’s posting a line of .250/16/63. Jose Abreu plated a run last night’s win, and he’s now up to 51 RBI for the season.

J.P. France (5-3, 3.13 ERA, 55 Ks) will take the hill for Houston. The rookie right hander pitched well in his first time in Oakland last week, striking out five over seven frames of one-inning ball to earn his fifth victory. France has grown into a reliable option for the Astros, as seven of his last eight outings since the start of June have resulted in quality starts. France isn’t blowing teams away strikeout wise, but he’s managed to eat innings and get outs at a high rate during his rookie season.

Texas vs Houston Trends

Texas is 59-41 ATS this year, with a 52-40-8 over/under record. Houston is 51-49 against the spread this season, with a 48-50-2 O/U record.

Corey’s Free Pick

Houston came through for us last night in a Lone Star Classic, and I believe the offenses will play a big role again here on Tuesday. Both clubs have glaring absences, but have barely missed a beat, and still possess two of the top lineups in the league. J.P. France has been reliable as of late, so while I like Houston to win this contest, targeting the total may bring a bit more security here. Take the Over for this AL West battle.