Thursday Night MLB Free Pick – Rangers vs Astros

The MLB will creep back into its 2019 season with a single game on Thursday night. The All-Star break showcase the games top talent and entertained spectators with events like the HR Derby and the All-Star game. The break in action is a good rest for the other 99% of players who are not taking part in the event. The back half of the season is ready to be played and the action will heat up in what has become known as the “dog days of summer”.

Thursday night features an in-state rivalry that should make for good viewing even if you are not from the area. The Texas Rangers play host to the Houston Astros at 8:00 pm EST. Sportsbooks have the visiting Houston Astros as slight favorites with a -125 moneyline. Texas is +115 and the total is 11 runs. As of right now, 75% percent of the public is betting the Texas Rangers at home. I am sure that will even out a bit but the public seems to like the Rangers at home.

Starting on the mound for the Rangers is Lance Lynn. The 32 year old is having a great season. He is 11-4 with a 3.91 ERA. The ERA isn’t the best in the world but the Astros can give their pitchers plenty of run support. It is important to note that he is 5-0 with a sparkling 2.85 in his last 7 starts.

The Astros are starting lefty Framber Valdéz. He is 3-4 with a 4.57 ERA. Valdez is a guy that comes out of the bullpen quite often and gets the occasional start. He has only started four games this season. last year, Valdez had a 4-1 record with a 2.19 ERA. The Astros are hoping to see that 2018 form down the stretch here in 2019.

Its obvious that Lynn has had the superior season thus far. This game is like “Opening Day Part 2” and the Rangers want to get a win on the national stage. But, Texas is just 2-4 in their last six games whereas Houston is hot, going 7-1 in their last 8.

This truly is a tough call but the edge goes to Texas at home. Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston. Texas is getting a slight moneyline advantage and has the better starting pitcher. Both teams have winning records and post-season aspirations. Texas scores 5.39 runs per game compared to Houston 5.09, so offense should not be a problem for Texas. Take the Rangers.