The red-hot Rangers (24-21) ride a six-game heater into Friday’s showdown with the Astros (22-21).
With Eovaldi and McCullers set to square off, our Astros vs. Rangers predictions and MLB picks are locking in on the Under.
Astros vs Rangers prediction
My Astros vs Rangers best bet: Under 8 (-105 at BetMGM)
Nathan Eovaldi continues to churn out quality innings at the ripe age of 35.
The veteran has held an ERA below 4.00 for the last five years and counting. He’s off to a superb start with a 1.78 ERA, and while his 3.22 xERA indicates some regression, his 2.13 FIP is undeniable.
The underlying numbers are strong. He holds a minuscule walk rate (2.4%) and generates plenty of strikeouts (28.6%) thanks to a career-high 14% swinging strike rate.
The Texas Rangers have played to the Under (14-30-1 O/U), especially at Globe Life Field (5-19 O/U). They’re 1-7-1 O/U with Eovaldi on the bump, and all three of his starts at home went Under the total.
Lance McCullers Jr. gets the nod for the Houston Astros. He’ll look to rebound after a disastrous outing against Cincinnati in which he was lifted after allowing seven earned runs and recording just a single out.
However, he stands a good chance of bouncing back.
Only once in seven years has McCullers finished with an ERA above 4.00, so one terrible start doesn’t mean he’s immediately become an awful pitcher.
Manager Joe Espada will likely have the veteran on a short leash if he does struggle, and the good news is that Houston has a fantastic bullpen.
The Astros lead the majors in FIP (2.95) and rank second in ERA (2.69) in relief.
Both arm barns are well-rested after Thursday’s pitcher’s duel between Jacob deGrom and Hunter Brown, in which both starters lasted eight innings in a 1-0 game.
Sign me up for another Rangers Under at home.
Astros vs Rangers same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 8
Rangers moneyline
Wyatt Langford Over 1.5 total bases
The Rangers are 4-1 in Eovaldi’s last five starts. They have a 16-8 record at home compared to 7-12 on the road for the Astros.
McCullers has reverse splits in his career. I’m targeting youngster Wyatt Langford to deal some damage against him, as the youngster has been hot lately with multiple total bases in three of his last five games.
Langford ranks in the 75th percentile or above in xwOBA, xSLG, and bat speed. He has more power against righties (.247 ISO) than lefties (.194 ISO) and hits for more average as well (.269 BA compared to .222).
Astros vs Rangers odds
Astros vs Rangers live odds
Astros vs Rangers opening odds
- Moneyline: Houston +160 | Texas -179
- Run line: Houston +1.5 | Texas -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8
Astros vs Rangers trend
The Rangers have hit the Under in 25 of their last 39 games (+10.55 Units / 24% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs. Rangers.
How to watch Astros vs Rangers and game info
| Location | Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX |
| Date | Friday, 5-16-2025 |
| First pitch | 8:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | Apple TV+ |
| Astros starting pitcher | Lance McCullers Jr. (0-1, 15.75 ERA) |
| Rangers starting pitcher | Nathan Eovaldi (4-2, 1.78 ERA) |
Astros vs Rangers latest injuries
Astros vs Rangers weather
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