Astros vs Rangers MLB Week 3 Odds, Preview, and Pick

Astros vs Rangers MLB Week 3 Odds, Preview, and Pick

Written by on April 19, 2019

The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers battle it out on Friday, April 19 at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Astros are one of the best teams in MLB, but the Rangers are no slouches at home. Will Houston prevail over their AL rivals? Check out MLB betting odds, analysis, and a free pick for Astros-Rangers!

Astros vs Rangers MLB Week 3 Odds, Preview, and Pick

  • When: Friday, April 19 at 8:05pm ET
  • Where: Globe Life Park, Arlington, TX
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Live Stream: MLB.tv
  • Moneyline Odds: Astros -222 (total 9)

Why Houston Astros are a good bet at -222

The Houston Astros start ace Justin Verlander on Friday night. Verlander is 2-0 this season with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. He pitched great in his last matchup against the Seattle Mariners back on April 13.

In that game, he held the Mariners to 1 earned run off 2 hits in 6 innings. Verlander struck out 11 and didn’t walk a single batter. Verlander could have another strong outing on April 19, which would lead to an easy Houston win and cover.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Runs/G: 4.28
  • BA: .271
  • OPS: .803
  • HR: 26
  • SB: 10
Defense:
  • ERA: 3.00
  • WHIP: 0.97
  • KS: 173
  • Quality Starts: 13
  • Errors: 8

Why Texas Rangers are a good bet at +180

Will Houston prevail over their AL rivals?

Texas starts pitcher Drew Smyly on Friday night. Smyly has not had an auspicious start to the season. He hasn’t lasted more than 5 innings and that was in his last where he allowed 4 earned runs off 4 hits.

In his previous two starts before his last, Smyly only lasted 3 innings and 3.1 innings. He allowed 1 earned run off 4 hits of a 1-2 loss to Houston on April 1, though. The Rangers didn’t let Smyly get into too much trouble. If they use those same tactics on Friday night, they could pull off the upset.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Runs/G: 5.53
  • BA: .250
  • OPS: .781
  • HR: 23
  • SB: 15
Defense:
  • ERA: 5.12
  • WHIP: 1.52
  • KS: 120
  • Quality Starts: 5
  • Errors: 8

MLB Baseball Betting Trends for Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers

  • Astros are 7-0 in their last 10 versus a team with a winning record
  • Astros are 4-0 in their last 4 games following an off day
  • Astros are 1-4 in Verlander’s last 5 starts versus Rangers
  • Rangers are 5-1 in their last 6 home games versus a left-handed starter
  • Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 overall
  • Rangers are 2-5 in their last 7 Friday games

Astros vs Rangers Final MLB Betting Analysis

Houston bats .310 against Smyly, but they’ve only faced him 58 times. Although he hasn’t thrown well at all this season, the Rangers have been fairly smart with his innings. Eventually, the form should turn around because he’s a decent pitcher.

On the other side, Justin Verlander has struggled with the Texas Rangers in recent games. The Astros are easily the better team, but Oakland just broke a Houston 10-game winning streak while the Rangers are on a 4 game winning streak. This might be a good time to go against Verlander and the Stros. The odds are excellent on the home squad. Backing Texas here as a flyer makes sense.

MLB Free Pick: Rangers +180