Rangers vs Astros Prediction - MLB Picks 7/26/23

Houston Astros (58-44) vs Texas Rangers (59-43)

Game Info: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 8:10 pm (Minute Maid Park)

Framber Valdez (8-6) (2.94) vs Andrew Heaney (6-6) (4.58)

Betting Odds: Houston Astros -167 / Texas Rangers +130 --- Over/Under: 7.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers will face off in game three of their divisional series this Tuesday from Minute Maid Park. Houston held off Texas late last night to win by one, 4-3.

Rangers Betting Preview

Texas moved to 59-43 after falling to Houston. The Rangers had their rally cut short last night, and they’ll look to avoid being swept here. 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 has multiple hits in both contests, and he leads the team in hits (117) and runs (80), with splits of .275/14/61. Nathaniel Lowe has recorded a hit in nine straight contests, and he’s posting a line of .284/11/54. Adolis Garcia leads the Rangers in home runs (24) and RBI (80).

Andrew Heaney (6-6, 4.58 ERA, 100 Ks) will take the mound for Texas. The tenth-year pitcher didn’t do too well against his former squad last week, allowing four runs to the Dodgers in five innings, en route to a Rangers loss. Heaney’s inconsistency remains his Achilles heel, but he did happen to pitch well against Houston at the top of the month. Heaney tossed eight strikeouts over five scoreless frames, and he’ll attempt to replicate that here at Minute Maid.

Astros Betting Preview

Houston enters at 58-44 after defeating Texas. The Astros held on to win their third straight game last night, and they’ll look to bring the brooms out on their inner-state foes here Wednesday. The pitching staff carries a 3.32 ERA, with a 1.25 WHIP. Kyle Tucker brings an eleven-game hit streak into this matchup, and after homering in the game two win, he leads the Astros in hits (111), with splits of .305/18/69. Alex Bregman has multiple hits in three of the last five games, and he’s posting a line of .253/16/63. Jose Abreu also collected multiple hits in Tuesday’s win, and he’s up to 51 RBI for the season.

Framber Valdez (8-6, 2.94 ERA, 144 Ks) will take the mound for Houston. The sixth-year pitcher did not have an easy outing in Oakland last week, allowing four runs in five innings to the A’s, but he luckily still earned the winning decision. The result was a tone down from the tear Valdez was going on, and he’ll be out to avenge that performance, along with an April loss to Texas here. Ten of Valdez’ eleven home spots have resulted in quality starts, so look for more success from him here.

Texas vs Houston Trends

Texas is 60-41 ATS this year, with a 52-40-8 over/under record. Houston is 51-50 against the spread this season, with a 48-50-2 O/U record.

Corey’s Free Pick

Houston comes into a spot to flex their muscles in-state and division wise, and I think they come through on their end. The Astros have watched the Rangers ascend within AL West, and even eclipse them offensively, but they’ve held their ground by taking care of business so far here at home. The pitching matchup heavily sways in the hosts favor as well, as Framber Valdez has been in much better form than the shaky Andrew Heaney. I don’t disagree with barking back up the Over tree, but let’s back the defending World Series champs to bring the brooms out here. Bet on Houston for this Lone Star battle.