Marlins vs Rangers Prediction - MLB Picks 8/4/23

Texas Rangers (63-46) vs Miami Marlins (58-52)

Game Info: Friday, August 4, 2023 at 8:05 pm (Globe Life Field)

Jordan Montgomery (6-9) (3.42) vs Jesus Luzardo (8-5) (3.38)

Betting Odds: Texas Rangers -132 / Miami Marlins +105 --- Over/Under: 8 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Miami Marlins will make the trip to Arlington to begin an interleague series with the Texas Rangers this Friday from Globe Life Field.

Marlins Preview & Projected Starter

Miami moved to 58-52 after dropping three of four to Philadelphia. The Marlins nearly got swept in division action by the Phillies, and they’ll now attempt to slow Texas down this weekend. Miami offense is scoring 4.02 runs per game, while batting .260, with a .321 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.10 ERA, with a 1.27 WHIP.

Jesus Luzardo (8-5, 3.38 ERA, 147 Ks) will take the mound for Miami. The sixth-year lefty had a tough time with Detroit at home last week, allowing four runs in 4.2 innings, but his bats had his back, and he avoided dropping the decision. The series with the Tigers had a lot of emotion behind it, with it being Miguel Cabrera’s final appearance in Miami, and this matchup won’t have nearly as much pressure behind it. Luzardo’s been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league this season, as seven of his last ten outings have resulted in quality starts.

Marlins Player Trends & Props

• Luis Arraez has collected a hit in eight of the previous ten games, and he’s leading the majors in batting (.376) and hits (155), with 51 RBI.

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. totaled three multiple bases in all three of his games against Philly, and he’s posting splits of .250/10/23 through 48 games.

• Jon Berti has collected a hit in seven of the last ten games, and he’s batting a career-best .294.

• Jorge Soler homered in two of four matchups with Philly, and he leads Miami in home runs (26) and RBI (57).

• Bryan De La Cruz homered in the game four loss, and he’s second on the team in both categories with fifteen home runs and 58 runs batted in.

• Power hitting deadline acquisitions Josh Bell and Jake Burger both contributed notably to the game three win, with the former providing a solo shot to spark the comeback, and the latter contributing a pair of hits. The first Miami Burger Bomb is on the horizon as well.

Rangers Preview & Projected Starter

Texas moved to 63-46 after sweeping Chicago. The Rangers capitalized on the light matchup at home to open August with three straight wins, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into this weekend. Bruce Bochy’s team rests atop the AL West with a slim half-game lead over Houston. 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.

Jordan Montgomery (6-9, 3.42 ERA, 108 Ks) will get the call for Texas. The seventh-year lefty will make his first appearance here for the Rangers after coming over from St. Louis. Montgomery pitched well over his final two months as a Cardinal, tossing five straight quality starts, while allowing one run or less in seven of the last ten games. Montgomery provided a jolt to St. Louis’ postseason push in a deadline deal from the Yankees last season, and the Rangers are hoping he can do the same in a better situation in Arlington.

Rangers Player Trends & Props

• Marcus Semien homered in the final two wins over the White Sox, and he leads the team in hits (126) and runs (88), with strong splits of .279/17/69.

• Nathaniel Lowe had multiple hits in the game two victory, and he’s posting a nice line of .287/12/58.

• Adolis Garcia brings an eight-game hit streak into this weekend, and he leads the Rangers in home runs (26) and RBI (86).

• Josh Jung had multiple hits in the final two contests with Chicago, and he’s posting good splits of .274/21/64.

• Corey Seager and Jonas Heim remain absent of the Texas lineup.

Corey’s Free Pick

This Miami/Texas matchup has a chance to be the best series of the weekend, and I like the visitors' chances of stealing game one. The Marlins come into this contest with an advantage on the mound, and the bats to stick with the Rangers to support him. Miami also enters on the heels of dropping three in division play, so there may be a sense of urgency to get a few of those games back to remain in the thick of the playoff race. The Over will be in play with the firepower on both sides, but I like taking the profitable shot with Miami here for this interleague matchup.