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Rangers vs. Reds prediction and odds for Monday, April 24 (Red-hot Rangers offense)

By Josh Yourish

Apr 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Robbie Grossman (4) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Robbie Grossman (4) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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This weekend, the Cincinnati Reds ran into the hottest team in baseball and got swept in four games by the Pirates. Now, the 7-15 Reds head home to host one of the other hottest teams in the MLB, the 14-7 Texas Rangers who have won six of their last seven and are surprisingly leading the AL West.

The Rangers have a good opportunity to extend their lead in the division with this three-game series in Cincinnati and in Game 1 tonight they’ll send Nathan Eovaldi to the mound. The Reds counter with Nick Lodolo. Eovaldi is 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA in four starts and Lodolo is 2-1 with a 4.98 ERA also in four starts. Let’s take a look at the odds for this interleague matchup in Cincinnati.

Rangers vs. Reds odds, run line and total

Rangers vs. Reds prediction and pick

Over the past week, there isn’t a better offense in baseball than the Texas Rangers. They lead the MLB in OPS over that stretch with a .982 and with 51 runs, they’ve scored 10 more than the next closest team. They have nine home runs and four of them have been hit by Adolis Garcis who has a 1.558 OPS over that stretch. Marcus Semien has two long balls and is getting on base at a .593 clip.

All of that production has come with Corey Seager on the 10-day IL, so this lineup will get even better once he’s back on the field. Lodolo is a good young pitcher, but he has a 4.25 FIP with his 4.98 ERA, so he’s not much better than his ERA indicates. Though he does miss bats at an impressive rate, 31 strikeouts in 21.2 innings. Nathan Eovaldi might have the higher ERA, but he’s the much better pitcher on the mound in this one.

Eovaldi has a 2.27 FIP to go along with his 5.40 ERA. He’s gone 21.2 innings and has 24 punchouts to just 4 walks, and only one home run allowed. He had one bad outing against Kansas City that spiraled on him, but he’s going to be a workhorse in the Texas rotation this season. I’ll trust Eovaldi and the Rangers lineup to pound the Reds in Cincy tonight.

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change