MLB Spread Advice: Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers

Photo Credit: © Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Game Summary

The Houston Astros will face off against the Texas Rangers on July 13 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. The game features two teams with contrasting fortunes this season. The Astros, with a 49-44 record, have been solid, especially at home with a 27-19 record. On the other hand, the Rangers have struggled, holding a 44-49 overall record and a 20-28 record on the road. This matchup will be crucial for both teams as they look to strengthen their standings in the competitive MLB season.

Spencer Arrighetti will be the probable starter for the Astros. Arrighetti has had a challenging season so far, with a 4-7 record and a 5.96 ERA. The Rangers will counter with Nathan Eovaldi, who has been more consistent, boasting a 6-3 record and a 3.10 ERA. The Astros will rely heavily on their hitting prowess, led by Jose Altuve, who has a .306 batting average, and Yordan Alvarez, who has 19 home runs and 51 RBIs. The Rangers will look to Josh Smith, Corey Seager, and Marcus Semien to deliver offensively.

Odds and Betting Lines

Bet Type	Odds
Over/Under	8.5
Houston Astros Spread	+1.5
Texas Rangers Spread	-1.5
Houston Astros Moneyline	-160
Texas Rangers Moneyline	+140

Pitching Probables

Pitcher	W-L	ERA	Strikeouts
Spencer Arrighetti (HOU)	4-7	5.96	86
Nathan Eovaldi (TEX)	6-3	3.10	85

Team Previews

Houston Astros

Hitting:

The Astros have been one of the best hitting teams in the league, ranking 1st in batting average (.263) and 2nd in hits (842). Key players include Jose Altuve (.306 BA) and Yordan Alvarez (19 HR, 51 RBI).

Relief Pitching:

Houston's bullpen has been steady, with a team ERA of 4.08, ranking 17th in the league. Despite some struggles, the bullpen has managed to secure 22 saves, putting them in the middle of the pack.

Fielding:

The Astros have committed 40 errors this season, ranking them 27th in the league. This could be a significant factor in close games.

Starting Pitchers:

Spencer Arrighetti has had a tough season with a 5.96 ERA and a 4-7 record. The Astros will need him to step up in this crucial matchup.

Texas Rangers

Hitting:

The Rangers have been average offensively, ranking 17th in batting average (.243) and 15th in hits (765). Key players include Josh Smith (.295 BA) and Corey Seager (17 HR, 50 RBI).

Relief Pitching:

The Rangers' bullpen has struggled, ranking 28th with only 17 saves. Their team ERA of 4.02 places them 16th in the league, indicating room for improvement.

Fielding:

Similar to the Astros, the Rangers have also committed 40 errors, ranking them 27th in the league.

Starting Pitchers:

Nathan Eovaldi has been a bright spot for the Rangers with a 3.10 ERA and a 6-3 record. His performance will be crucial in this matchup.

Team Injuries

Houston Astros

Player	Position	Injury	Injury Status
Luis Garcia	SP	Elbow	Expected to be out until at least Aug 9
Kyle Tucker	RF	Lower Leg	Expected to be out until at least Aug 1

Texas Rangers

Player	Position	Injury	Injury Status
Cody Bradford	SP	Ribs	Expected to be out until at least Jul 19

Betting Trends

• Astros are 5-2 in their last 7 games against a right-handed starter.
• Astros are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.
• Rangers are 2-5 in their last 7 road games.
• Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 games as an underdog.

Recent Games

Houston Astros

Opponent	Score	W/L
vs Miami	6-3	W
vs Miami	9-1	W
vs Miami	4-3	W
@ Minnesota	3-2	L
@ Minnesota	9-3	L

Texas Rangers

Opponent	Score	W/L
@ Los Angeles	7-2	L
@ Los Angeles	5-4	W
@ Los Angeles	9-4	W
vs Tampa Bay	4-3	W
vs Tampa Bay	3-0	W

Team Rankings

Category	Houston Astros	Texas Rangers
Hitting	1st	17th
Starting Pitching	17th	16th
Relief Pitching	18th	28th
Fielding	27th	27th

Significant Betting Stats

• Astros are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
• Astros are 5-2 in their last 7 games against right-handed pitching.
• Astros are 4-1 in their last 5 home games against the Rangers.
• Rangers are 2-5 in their last 7 road games.
• Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 games as an underdog.
• Rangers' bullpen ranks 28th in saves.
• Astros' hitting ranks 1st in batting average.
• Astros' home record is 27-19.
• Rangers' road record is 20-28.
• Astros have the edge in recent head-to-head matchups.

Weather

Intermittent clouds with a temperature of 84°F. The game will be played indoors at Minute Maid Park, so weather will not be a factor.

Prediction

The Houston Astros have a significant advantage in this matchup, especially at home. Their superior hitting and recent form make them a strong candidate to cover the spread. Additionally, the Astros have a favorable recent record against the Rangers, and with Spencer Arrighetti expected to perform better in familiar surroundings, the Astros should be able to keep the game close or even secure a win. The Rangers' struggles on the road further tilt the scales in favor of the Astros covering the +1.5 spread.