It’s been a rough start to 2024 for the Houston Astros but they can at least secure a split of their series against the Texas Rangers tonight.
Things would look worse for the Astros if not for Ronel Blanco’s two stunning starts, with a no-hitter against the Blue Jays and six quality innings to shut down the Texas offense yesterday.
Yordan Alvarez’s three-run dinger was the difference last night in Houston’s 3-1 victory, but the Rangers are still sitting at 6-3 and outscored Houston 17-4 in the first two games of the series. Even so, Texas is a home underdog here in the latest MLB odds.
Read on for my free MLB picks for the Astros vs Rangers as the AL West powerhouses collide in this April 8 matchup.
Astros vs Rangers odds
Astros vs Rangers predictions
On the heels of their rollercoaster 2023 ALCS series, it’s must-see TV when the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers square off. There’s an unquestionable wow factor with the star power in both these lineups, from Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez to Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.
But we got a tight, low-scoring scrap in last night’s primetime spot, and I’m looking to the Under for my best bet tonight with two strong starters on the mound. Framber Valdez threw 7 2/3 scoreless innings against the Blue Jays last week, with 61 strikes on 85 pitches, to boost an injury-hit Houston rotation.
Meanwhile, Texas starter Andrew Heaney had seven strikeouts in a win over Tampa Bay in his first outing of the year.
It’s also worth noting the Astros haven’t scored more than three runs in any of the games in this series. The Under is 7-2-1 in Houston’s last 10 games, and I see that trend continuing tonight, with both pitchers looking sharp enough to keep elite hitters in check.
My best bet: Under 9.5 (-110 at bet365)
Astros vs Rangers same-game parlay
Under 9.5
Jose Altuve Over 1.5 total bases
Framber Valdez Over 5.5 strikeouts
Jose Altuve is showing no signs of slowing down as he prepares to turn 34 this season, with a .375 average and 15 hits — including four doubles — through his first 10 games.
I’m picking Altuve for my SGP and banking on his strong record head-to-head with Heaney. In 39 career at bats against the Texas starter, Altuve has 13 hits, with four doubles and two homers. I like his chances of hitting the Over on 1.5 bases tonight.
In line with wagering on the Under here, I expect Valdez to bring his best stuff and find the form that led him to 200 Ks in 2023. He’s had five strikeouts in both of his starts this year, but I see him going one better tonight.
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Astros vs Rangers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Rangers have won four of the past five meetings, including Game 6 and Game 7 in their dramatic ALCS victory last year
- It’s slightly surprising Houston is a -135 favorite here when Valdez has lost his last five starts and the visitors are 3-7 so far this season, but I’m high on the Astros' ace in this spot
- Though the Over is 6-3-1 in the last 10 meetings, both teams have trended towards the Under this season so far and that feels like the safer bet for tonight’s all-lefty matchup on the bump
- The Under has hit in four of Texas’ last five contests and in two of the three games in this series
Trend to know
The Rangers have cashed in the first 5 Innings run line in 101 of their last 170 games. Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs. Rangers
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Astros vs Rangers game info
| Location: | Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX |
| Date: | Monday, April 8, 2024 |
| First pitch: | 8:05 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Space City Home Network, Bally Sports Southwest |
Starting pitchers
Framber Valdez (0-0, 2.19 ERA): The Astros are counting on Valdez in a big way and hoping for a third straight year in the ballpark of 200 innings and 200 strikeouts. Semien, who’s hitting .324 against Valdez, could be the biggest threat tonight.
Andrew Heaney (0-1, 1.93 ERA): Heaney is going to be busy until the Rangers’ injury woes ease, and the lefty went 10-6 with Texas last year with a 4.15 ERA. He got through 4 2/3 innings against the Rays last week and allowed one earned run.
