The ALCS continues at Globe Life Field as the Texas Rangers host the Houston Astros in Game 3 on Wednesday night. Both of these teams went 90-72 in the regular season but Houston gained the edge to win the AL West. The Astros won the season series 9-4 over the Rangers. Texas rolls into this battle on a seven-game win streak during the 2023 MLB playoffs. Max Scherzer (13-6, 3.77 ERA) will start for the Rangers, while Cristian Javier (10-5, 4.56 ERA) is on the mound for the Astros.
First pitch is set for 8:03 p.m. ET. Texas is listed at -126 on the money line (risk $126 to win $100) in the latest Astros vs. Rangers odds via SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total runs scored is 9. Before making any Rangers vs. Astros picks, be sure to check out the latest MLB predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It went 331-285 on top-rated MLB money-line picks (+357) over the past two seasons. It entered the NLCS and ALCS of the 2023 MLB playoffs 93-74 on all top-rated MLB picks this season and has excelled on top-rated run-line picks, going 18-6 (+766). Anybody following has seen big returns!
Now, the model has set its sights on Astros vs. Rangers and revealed its coveted picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's MLB picks. Here are several MLB odds and trends for Astros vs. Rangers:
- Astros vs. Rangers money line: Texas -126, Houston +108
- Astros vs. Rangers run line: Texas -1.5 (+148)
- Astros vs. Rangers over/under: 9 runs
- TEX: Returned +524 on the money line this season in all games
- HOU: Returned +1645 on the money line on the road this season
- Astros vs. Rangers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why you should back the Astros
Left fielder Yordan Alvarez is a true power hitter with strength to all parts of the field. Alvarez has great pitch recognition and bat speed. The two-time All-Star is first on the team in batting average (.391), home runs (6 and OBP (.440) during the 2023 MLB playoffs. He has recorded at least two hits in three of his last six games. In his last outing, Alvarez went 2 of 3 with two solo homers.
Center fielder Chas McCormick is an effective defender with good awareness and range. At the plate, McCormick has quick and strong hands. The 28-year-old finished the regular season with 22 home runs and 70 RBI. During the playoffs, McCormick has a batting average of .316 with six base hits. He's recorded a hit in six straight games, going 1 of 4 in the Game 2 loss. See which team to pick here.
Why you should back the Rangers
Third baseman Josh Jung is a strong and polished hitter in the lineup. Jung understands the strike zone well and has the pop to create offense. The 25-year-old has showcased reliable hands and a strong throwing arm. In the 2023 MLB playoffs, Jung is hitting .333 with one home run and three RBI. On Oct. 8 against the Baltimore Orioles, he went 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.
Center fielder Leody Taveras is an athletic hitter with good pop in his swing. Taveras has good speed that is effective on defense and as a base stealer. Over his last seven games, the 25-year-old has gone 8 for 23 with one home run, three RBI, and three stolen bases. In the Game 1 win over the Astros, Taveras was 2 for 2 with a solo home run. See which team to pick here.
How to make Astros vs. Rangers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the run total, projecting 9.4 combined runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the model's MLB picks and analysis at SportsLine.
So who wins Astros vs. Rangers, and which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has gone 93-74 on its top-rated MLB picks, and find out.
