The Philadelphia Phillies take on the Texas Rangers. Our MLB odds series has our Phillies-Rangers prediction and pick. Find out how to watch Phillies-Rangers.
The Philadelphia Phillies, as the defending National League champions, had a lot to be excited about heading into their 2023 season opener on Thursday. They were horrible in the first month and a half of their 2022 season, but as soon as manager Joe Girardi was replaced by Rob Thomson, they took off. The Phillies made the playoffs and then smoked the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres to return to the World Series for the first time since 2009. The Phillies improved so much as a team in their October run. They gained a lot of belief. Their bullpen improved dramatically. Their superstar players played like superstars. Making the World Series is a reward and a victory in and of itself, but the Phillies did more than maximize their 2022 potential; they evolved as a team to build for 2023. Their roster developed. Their weaknesses became strengths, or at least neutral components which were no longer liabilities.
Then came the season opener. With Aaron Nola on the mound, the Phillies hammered former New York Met Jacob deGrom and took a 5-0 lead over the Texas Rangers in Arlington. The Phils were picking up where they left off. Then they allowed nine runs in the fourth inning and suffered a surprising loss. After a day off on Friday, the Phillies get to return to the ballyard, intent on bouncing back and making sure their month of April in 2023 is very different from 2022.
Here are the Phillies-Rangers MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Phillies-Rangers Odds
Philadelphia Phillies: -1.5 (+132)
Texas Rangers: +1.5 (-160)
Over: 8.5 (-105)
Under: 7.5 (-115)
How To Watch Phillies vs. Rangers
TV: Fox
Stream: Fox Sports app
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT
*Watch Phillies-Rangers LIVE on fuboTV (click for a free trial)*
Why The Phillies Could Cover The Spread
The Phillies have Zack Wheeler on the mound. He is an ace-level pitcher with electric stuff. More than that, Wheeler is more consistent than Aaron Nola if the two pitchers are going to be compared within a narrow framework. Wheeler is made for these situations, being a strue stopper who takes the ball and quiets the opposition, prevening the Phillies from sliding into a losing streak to start the season. There is no man the Phillies would rather have than Wheeler for this particular game against a Texas Ranger team which — despite being 1-0 — has a lot to prove in terms of being viewed as a legitimate contender for the American League West Division and, more immediately, the American League wild card.
Why The Rangers Could Cover The Spread
The Rangers are going to be full of confidence entering this game after their five-run comeback against Nola and the Phillies on Thursday. The Rangers were able to bail out Jacob deGrom, who did not pitch well at all in his Texas debut. Being able to pick up a teammate like that is something which boosts the mood and the level of belief in the dugout. With Nathan Eovaldi — a proven veteran pitcher — going for the Rangers in this game, Texas has the seasoned starting pitcher who can match Wheeler and get the game into the bullpen. If the Rangers can be tied after six innings, they will like their chances, since Wheeler will not be in line to get the win.
Final Phillies-Rangers Prediction & Pick
Eovaldi is good, but Wheeler is clearly better. Take the Phils.
Final Phillies-Rangers Prediction & Pick: Phillies -1.5
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