Houston Astros at Texas Rangers 8/30/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Houston Astros open a short two-game series on the road Tuesday against the Texas Rangers. Houston is 82-47 following its 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. The victory avoided Houston being swept by Baltimore after losing each of the first two games of the series and you can find the best free MLB preview. Houston starter Justin Verlander lasted only three Innings before leaving with a sore right calf. Houston is first in the American League West, 11 ½ games ahead of the second place Seattle Mariners.

Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is batting .294 with 31 home runs and an on-base percentage of .398 to lead Houston in each category. Right fielder Kyle Tucker is the leader in RBIs with 82 and third baseman Alex Bregman is the leader in hits with 119. On Tuesday, the Houston Astros will send Framber Valdez to the mound. The left-hander is 13-4 with a 2.65 ERA, 142 Ks and 56 BBs.

The Texas Rangers dropped to 58-69 following a 9-8 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.  Texas center fielder Adolis Garcia had his 23-game hitting streak snapped when striking out in the ninth inning and going hitless for the game. Texas has lost two straight and the Rangers are third in the American League West, 23 games behind the first-place Houston Astros.

First baseman Nathaniel Lowe is batting .300 to lead Texas and has team highs in hits with 140 and on-base percentage at .349. Shortstop Corey Seager is the leader in home runs with 28 and center fielder Adolis Garcia is the leader in RBIs with 80. On Tuesday, the Texas Rangers will send Dane Dunning to the mound. The right-hander is 3-6 with a 4.19 ERA, 112 Ks and 50 BBs.