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Astros vs. Rangers Prediction and Odds for Monday, June 13 (Pitching Matchup Favors Astros)

By Joe Summers

Cristian Javier struggled in his last start but had only given up more than two runs once all year prior to that.
Cristian Javier struggled in his last start but had only given up more than two runs once all year prior to that. / Carmen Mandato/GettyImages
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The 37-23 Houston Astros snapped a three-game losing streak with a 9-4 win over Miami yesterday and now head to Texas to take on their in-state rival, the 28-31 Rangers.

First pitch is at 8:05 PM EST and Houston will send Cristian Javier to the mound. Javier had his worst start of the season last week, giving up five runs in only 3.2 innings to the Mariners in a loss. Prior to that, he had only given up more than three runs once all year.

Taylor Hearn gets the call for the Rangers, bringing a 4-4 record a 5.40 ERA into the contest. Hearn has been better at home but has struggled with command and limiting mistakes.

Can Hearn give Texas a series-opening victory at home or will Javier bounce back from his poor start to lead Houston to victory?

Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to help find the value in this Astros vs Rangers matchup:

Astros vs Rangers Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

  • Astros -1.5 (+105)
  • Rangers +1.5 (-125)

Moneyline:

  • Astros: -156
  • Rangers: +146

Total:

  • 9.0 (Over -105/Under -115)

Astros vs Rangers Prediction and Pick

It's difficult to trust either pitcher right now, but I'm willing to chalk Cristian Javier's poor performance last week up to just that; a poor performance. His body of work on the season speaks for itself and his 3.06 expected ERA is among the league's best.

Taylor Hearn, on the other hand, has been poor all season. He has a 5.72 expected ERA, but despite his issues the Rangers are 5-2 in his last seven starts. Texas' lineup has been able to pick up the slack, but you can only play with fire for so long before you get burned. Just look at Hearn's MLB Statcast Pitching Profile and tell me the Rangers aren't touching a hot stove to see what happens:

The Astros' lineup is capable of burning you, especially on the road. They've been mediocre at home lately, but are 6-1 in their last seven as a road favorite. Houston is ninth in OPS against left-handed pitchers over the last three weeks while Texas has struggled with

Hearn's command issues will allow Houston's patient approach to keep runners on base all day, and the Astros have the league's best bullpen to help slam the door. I'll roll with the Astros to take advantage of Hearn's deficiencies to pull out a convincing win. There's only so many times you can touch a hot stove before it hurts, you know?

Pick: Astros -1.5 (+105)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

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