Rangers vs. Phillies Prediction and Odds for Tuesday, May 3 (Will Jon Gray Get Hurt in Third Straight Start?)

Texas Rangers starter Jon Gray.
Texas Rangers starter Jon Gray. / Abbie Parr/GettyImages
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The Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies kick off a quick two-game series on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park. The Rangers are in desperate need of a change after losing four of their last six games and falling to 8-14 on the year. They are 6.5 games out of first and firmly entrenched in last place in the AL West. 

The Phillies, on the other hand, appear to have turned a corner after a slow start to 2022. They entered the weekend at .500 for the first time since April 13 after winning five of their last seven. Philly’s bats have woken up and have hit seven or more runs in four of their last seven games. 

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

Rangers vs. Phillies Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

  • Rangers: +1.5 (-140)
  • Phillies: -1.5 (+115)

Moneyline:

  • Rangers: +143
  • Phillies: -153

Total:

  • 8.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Rangers vs. Phillies Prediction and Pick

The Rangers are a hard sell here for two reasons. First, they have one of the worst batting averages in all of baseball at .223. While they don’t strike out a lot, they just can’t seem to get the ball in play.

This, along with their 21st ranked walk rate, leaves them with very few scoring opportunities. Texas strands 3.05 of those precious few runners in scoring position per game. 

The second reason I am not feeling the Rangers tonight is their starting pitcher, Jon Gray. Gray’s season has been nothing more than a string of bad starts and nagging injuries. He has already been on the IL twice this year. Once with a blister that cut his Opening Day start short. The other was an MCL sprain he suffered in his first start back.

While Gray might be 0-1 on the year in wins, he is 2-0 for getting injured during a start. Honestly, with his 7.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in nine innings, the Rangers might be better off with him on the shelf. 

Pick: Phillies ML (-153)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE