It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a Red Sox-Rangers prediction and pick. Find out how to watch Red Sox-Rangers.
The Boston Red Sox are right in the thick of the American League wild card race. They're not in an enviable position, given that they trail by two games in the race for the third and final playoff spot. They have to pass either the Kansas City Royals or Minnesota Twins in the standings in order to grab a wild card berth, and both teams are ahead of Boston in early August. Boston not only has to play well, but at least one of Kansas City or Minnesota has to stumble down the stretch, something which the Red Sox can't fully control.
Boston has had a very good season. The Red Sox were crushed by injuries to their pitching staff. They frankly didn't make a huge offseason sWrigning. It was very reasonable to think the Red Sox would finish last in the American League East. Instead, Alex Cora has managed this team really well. Unsurprisingly, Cora received a hefty extension in recent days, a reward for what he is doing with less-than-elite talent.
The Texas Rangers maxed out last year, winning the World Series, but this season, the pieces just haven't come together for manager Bruce Bochy. The four-time world champion is brilliant, but as we have noted before whenever we offer a betting preview of a 2024 Ranger game, Bochy never did win back-to-back titles with the Giants. He won his three World Series with San Francisco in even years and then did not do much in subsequent odd-numbered years. It will take a big surge for Texas to find its way back to the playoffs this season. The Rangers just haven't been able to score at a rate which is remotely close to last year's juggernaut.
Red Sox-Rangers Projected Starters
Kutter Crawford vs. Jose Urena
Kutter Crawford (6-8) has a 3.60 ERA. Crawford has quietly been a strong, stable presence on an overachieving staff. He did struggle in his last outing, though, so Boston really needs him to bounce back in this spot on the road.
Last Start: Saturday, July 27 vs the New York Yankees: 4 2/3 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 3 HR, 0 BB, 5 K
2024 Road Splits: 10 starts, 58 2/3 IP, 46 H, 23 R, 12 HR, 15 BB, 54 K
Jose Urena (3-5) has a 3.07 ERA. He hasn't made many starts this season. His last one was roughly eight weeks ago. He has been solid out of the bullpen but now needs to give this team five innings against Boston.
Last Appearance: Saturday, July 27 vs the Toronto Blue Jays: 4 1/3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 HR, 0 BB, 2 K (last start was June 5)
2024 Home Splits: 2 starts, 38 1/3 IP, 19 H, 6 R, 4 HR, 13 BB, 28 K
Here are the Red Sox-Rangers MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Red Sox-Rangers Odds
Boston Red Sox: -1.5 (+138)
Moneyline: -122
Texas Rangers: +1.5 (-166)
Moneyline: +104
Over: 8.5 (-105)
Under: 8.5 (-115)
How to Watch Red Sox vs Rangers
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET/5:05 p.m. PT
TV: NESN (Red Sox) / Bally Sports Southwest (Rangers) / MLB Extra Innings, ESPN Plus
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Red Sox Will Cover The Spread/Win
Kutter Crawford should be able to respond well after a bad start a week ago. The Red Sox just won a series against the Seattle Mariners, so they should feel confident they can handle the sputtering Rangers, especially with a reliever-turned-starter on the hill for Texas. This is not a pitching matchup Boston will fear.
Why The Rangers Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Rangers are running out of time. Urgency is defining their games right now. This should produce a better performance and a win against a Boston team which has overachieved and yet is also due for some regression.
Final Red Sox-Rangers Prediction & Pick
We're leaning to Boston but ultimately think you should pass on this game, given the variable of a reliever making a spot start here with Urena for Texas.
Click here for more betting news and predictions
Final Red Sox-Rangers Prediction & Pick: Red Sox -1.5
Follow Us
Subscribe