Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers Prediction 5/16/25 MLB Picks

In this article, we will formulate an Astros vs Rangers prediction for this MLB game on Friday, May 16, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.

Houston Astros Betting Preview

The Houston Astros (22-21, 7-12 Away) responded to series losses against the White Sox and Brewers with wins over the Reds and Royals. The Astros opened the current series against the Rangers with a 1-0 defeat on Thursday. Hunter Brown took the loss after allowing one run on three hits with nine strikeouts and no walks in 8.0 innings.

This year, the Astros average 4.05 runs per game (20th in the MLB) on a .249/.320/.377 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Astros’ staff has a 3.41 ERA (7th) and 1.13 WHIP (2nd). Jeremy Pena leads the Astros with a .313 batting average, six home runs, and 23 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Astros is Lance McCullers Jr., who is 0-1 in two starts this season, with a 15.75 ERA and 3.00 WHIP in 4.0 innings.

Texas Rangers Betting Preview

The Texas Rangers (24-21, 16-8 Home) recorded their sixth win in a row for the first time this season. The Rangers beat the Tigers, swept the Rockies, and opened the series against the Astros with a 1-0 victory. Jacob deGrom got the win after allowing no runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and one walk across 8.0 innings of work. Jake Burger hit a solo homer to give his team a narrow win.

This season, the Rangers average 3.44 runs per game (26th in the MLB) on a .230/.291/.372 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Rangers’ staff has a 3.21 ERA (3rd) and 1.13 WHIP (1st). Adolis Garcia leads the Rangers with a .231 batting average, six home runs, and 24 RBI this season.

Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound for the Rangers on Friday. The 35-year-old right-hander has a 4-2 record in nine starts this year with a 1.78 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 55.2 innings.

Why the Rangers will beat the Astros

• The Rangers have won each of their last six games after playing the previous day.
• The Astros have lost four of their last five road games after playing the previous day.
• The Rangers have covered the run line in five of their last six games against teams that held a winning record.
• The Astros have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games against American League opponents that held a winning record.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Astros’ last six games as underdogs have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Five of the last six games between the Astros and Rangers have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Astros’ last eight games as road underdogs against AL West opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Rangers’ last seven games as favorites against AL West opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Rangers rank 3rd in the league for ERA this season (3.21).
• The Rangers rank 3rd in the league for home runs allowed this season (36).
• The Astros rank T4th in the league for runs allowed this season (154).
• The Astros rank T26th in the league for home runs this season (36).

Astros vs Rangers Prediction

The teams have traded wins in the last couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. Texas won four of the last five H2Hs, and I am backing the Astros to win another one on Friday because Eovaldi is in a way better form than McCullers Jr. Lance is still feeling the consequences of his lengthy injury and struggled in his last start, allowing seven runs in just 0.1 innings. McCullers Jr. allowed a .371 BA in 35 at-bats against the Rangers. Eovaldi, on the other hand, surrendered just two runs in his previous four starts and registered five consecutive quality starts. I am going with the Rangers.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Rangers ML