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Rangers vs. Athletics Prediction and Odds for Sunday, April 24 (The Texas Bullpen is a Ticking Time Bomb)

By Matt De Saro

Oakland Athletics v Philadelphia Phillies
Oakland Athletics v Philadelphia Phillies / Rich Schultz/GettyImages
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The Oakland Athletics are off to a very surprising start to the year with an 8-6 record in their first 14 games. After they were expected to compete with the Rangers for last place in the division, it looks like the universe is starting to right itself.

As for the Texas Rangers, they're currently in last place in the AL West with a 5-9 record, but come off two straight wins over the A’s by a combined score of 10-1. The Athletics have now scored two or fewer runs in four of their last five games. Oakland is also in danger of getting swept by one of the worst teams in baseball. 

Garrett Richards makes his fifth appearance for the Rangers while Cole Irvin makes his fourth appearance for Oakland. 

Here are the odds for this AL West clash, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Rangers vs. Athletics Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

  • Rangers: -1.5 (+140)
  • Athletics: +1.5 (-170)

Moneyline:

  • Rangers: -111
  • Athletics: +101

Total:

  • Total 8 (Over -105/Under -115)

Rangers vs. Athletics Prediction and Pick

To be fair to the Rangers, they do have a rather competent offense this year. Texas currently ranks seventh in the MLB in runs scored, RBIs, and stolen bases. With Corey Seager and Marcus Semien in the lineup for 2022, the Rangers will be a dangerous offensive team moving forward. 

Where the Rangers hit the wall is in the pitching department. Texas has the second-worst team ERA in the league at 5.27. Starting pitchers have just five wins in 14 games and the Rangers have just one save all year. They lead the league in home runs allowed and rank seventh in walks. 

Garrett Richards gets the start for Texas on Sunday as the team’s opener. I am not a fan of bullpen games. Especially when your bullpen is as bad as the Rangers. Texas’ bullpen is the third worst in the MLB with an ERA of 4.52 and a 1.34 WHIP. No surprise they have a single save among them. 

Spencer Howard is expected to make his return to action today as a part of that relief staff. Howard gave up four home runs in three innings pitched this year so far. Not a great start to the season and not the kind of guy to bet on.

I think the Athletics manage to avoid the sweep thanks to the Rangers' vulnerable relievers and cash as home underdogs.

Pick: Athletics +101 to win

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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