MLB Pick: Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers

The Tampa Bay Rays are in Texas for the second game of a three game series with the Rangers. This has been a fairly even series over the past few seasons although the Rays have won 5 of the last 7 meetings played in Texas. Something else worth keeping an eye on here is the total. The under is 9-3-2 in the last 14 meetings in Texas.

Head to Head Trends

Rangers are 5-2 in Lewis’ last 7 starts vs. Rays.
Rays are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Texas.

Texas Rangers (+125)

The Texas Rangers are 3rd in the American League West while being 5 games back of the 1st place Houston Astros and just 2.5 games out of a wild card spot so they are still very much alive to make the playoffs. The Rangers have been playing better ball over the past few weeks winning 14 of their last 22 games and I think if they can manage to maintain that pace for the rest of the season they should at least get a wild card spot.

On the hill for the Rangers in this one is Colby Lewis who is 12-5 with a 4.61 ERA on the season. Lewis don’t have the best ERA but he’s pitched pretty good especially over the last month or so with 11 of his last 13 starts being quality starts.

Texas Rangers Trends

Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 home games.
Rangers are 4-1 in Lewis’ last 5 starts.

Tampa Bay Rays (-135)

The Tampa Bay Rays are 4th in the American League East 5.5 games behind the 1st place New York Yankees but they are just 2 games out of a wild card spot so they still have a shot as well. The Rays seemed like they were dead in the water not too long ago but after winning 4 of their last 5 games it looks like they might be making another run.

Starting for the Rays today is Chris Archer who is 10-8 with a 2.62 ERA on the season. Archer has pitched great this season but if you look back at his starts over the last couple seasons there’s been times when he’s been hit pretty hard after throwing a lot of pitches in his previous start. In his last start Archer threw 116 pitches so this might be a good opportunity bet against him.

Tampa Bay Rays Trends

Rays are 6-15 in their last 21 road games.
Rays are 5-2 in Archers last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.

Conclusion

I’m going with the Texas Rangers over the Rays in this one. I kind of have a gut feeling about this one and with Archer throwing a lot of pitches in his last start I think this might be a good opportunity for a nice home underdog.

Free Pick: Texas Rangers +125 Betting line at BetOnline