The Texas Rangers will finish their three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park. We're here to share our MLB odds series, make a Rangers-Phillies prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.
The Rangers and Phillies came incredibly close to facing off in the World Series last season. Ultimately, this will be their last matchup of the regular season. But both teams are playing well right now. Seemingly, both will look to finish this game strong before parting ways. Both will look to get their pitchers going, with one who has yet to win a game yet.
Andrew Heaney starts for the Rangers. He is 0-5 with a 4.43 ERA. Recently, he tossed just 3 2/3 innings while allowing three runs, two earned, on five hits in a loss to the Los Angeles Angels.
Zach Wheeler starts for the Phillies. He is 5-3 with a 2.52 ERA. Amazingly, he threw 7 1/3 innings while allowing two earned runs on three hits while striking out six in a win over the Washington Nationals. Wheeler has a quality start in four of his last six outings. Now, he hopes to shut down a strong lineup that can do a lot of damage.
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Rangers-Phillies Odds
Texas Rangers: +1.5 (-118)
Moneyline: +176
Philadelphia Phillies: -1.5 (-102)
Moneyline: -210
Over: 8.5 (-115)
Under: 8.5 (-105)
How to Watch Rangers vs. Phillies
Time: 1:05 PM ET/10:05 AM PT
TV: Bally Sports Southwest
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Rangers Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Rangers have a good offense that has displayed some signs of inconsistency. So far, they are ninth in batting average and on-base percentage. Texas is also 11th in runs, 13th in home runs, and 15th in slugging percentage. Therefore, look for this offense to try and get the wheels going on the road.
Marcus Semisn leads off for the Rangers on most days. Currently, he is batting .268 with nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and 35 runs. Corey Seager is looking to bash the baseball more. At the moment, he is hitting .246 with seven home runs, 18 RBIs, and 20 runs. Nathaniel Lowe is looking for more consistency. So far, he is batting .272 with two home runs, 14 RBIs, and 14 runs. Adolis Garcia is the ultimate powerhouse. Significantly, he is hitting .251 with 11 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 24 runs.
The Rangers are struggling to pitch. Unfortunately, they are 18th in team ERA. Texas also has a bad bullpen again. Sadly, they rank last in bullpen ERA, and it remains a major weakness they must address.
The Rangers will cover the spread if their bats can work Wheeler and not allow him to dictate the flow of this game. Then, they need a good performance from Heaney, which is something they have not had much of this season.
Why The Phillies Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Phillies have one of the most explosive offenses in the majors. Currently, they are second in batting average, on-base percentage, and runs. Philadelphia also ranks ninth in home runs and sixth in slugging percentage. Thus, this offense has some of the best hitters in the league who will do everything to put this game out of reach.
Trea Turner is still out with a hamstring injury. Because of this, the Phillies must rely on their other hitters to help them get some runs. Kyle Schwarber is one option. Ultimately, he is batting .220 with nine home runs, 29 RBIs, and 37 runs. Bryce Harper looks to continue to hit the baseball well. So far, he is hitting .280 with 11 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 30 runs. But the Phillies need more out of Nick Castellanos. Sadly, he is batting just .202 with four home runs, 19 RBIs, and 21 runs. J.T. Realmuto is a solid hitter who can hit for some power. Currently, he is hitting .280 with five home runs, 16 RBIs, and 24 runs.
The Phillies have a great pitching staff. Overall, they are third in team ERA. But their relievers have to do a little better to give Philadelphia a chance. Unfortunately, they rank 23rd in bullpen ERA.
The Phillies will cover the spread if their bats can take advantage of Heaney's struggles. Then, they need Wheeler to have another great start.
Final Rangers-Phillies Prediction & Pick
The Phillies covered the spread on Tuesday when Ranger Suarez dominated this Texas lineup. Now, they hope to close out the series with another ace who can find the strike zone and make hitters pay. Texas throwing Heaney out there does not inspire hope as he continues to struggle. Because of that, we are leaning more toward the Phillies. Expect the Phillies to finish this series strong and cover the spread at home.
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Final Rangers-Phillies Prediction & Pick: Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (-102)