Rangers vs. Athletics Prediction and Odds (Perez a Liability on the Mound for Texas)

AL West rivals are set to do battle tonight at the Oakland Coliseum when the Texas Rangers face off against the Oakland Athletics. Oakland has been one of the more surprising teams early on this season with a winning record after their first few weeks of play. The Rangers, meanwhile, have been one of the worst teams in the league at 4-9. Texas is currently dead last in the AL West while the A’s are in third. 

The Rangers are just 2-5 straight up in their last seven games but were able to take game one from the A’s on Friday by a final score of 8-1. Interestingly, it was the second game in a row that the Rangers scored eight runs and won. Could it be that the Rangers' offense has finally woken up after starting the year in a massive slump?

Here are the odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Rangers vs. Athletics Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

• Rangers: +1.5 (-110)
• Athletics: -1.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Rangers: +114
• Athletics: -124

Total:

• Total 7 (Over +100/Under -120)

Rangers vs. Athletics Prediction and Pick

Despite taking game one of this series with a dominant win, the Rangers are still underdogs in this road game. As is usually the case in MLB betting, the odds have a lot to do with today’s starting pitchers. 

The Rangers are starting veteran Martin Perez in his third appearance for Texas. Perez has been very consistent in his first two starts, finishing with the exact same ERA in both. Problem is, that ERA is 6.75 and has saddled him with an 0-2 record. He hasn’t gone more than four innings and hasn’t given up less than three earned runs in either start. His strikeout to walk ratio of 7:4 is also a cause for concern as is his WHIP of 2.00. 

The A’s, on the other hand, can feel confident in their starter tonight, Frankie Montas. Montas has been phenomenal in three appearances this year with a 2-1 record and 3.63 ERA. Montas’ most recent game was a six-inning performance against the Orioles. He allowed one earned run, struck out five, and walked two. He really settled down after giving up five runs to the Phillies in his first start of the year. Montas has looked very good in his last 12 ⅓ innings of play. 

The Rangers' offense isn’t that bad to the fair, so Montas won't necessarily cruise here. But, the Texas bullpen is one of the worst in the MLB. I don’t expect Perez to go deep into this game and things could get ugly when they have to turn to the relievers. 

Pick: Athletics -124 to win

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE