Astros vs Rangers Picks and Prediction – 5/18/2025

The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers face off in an AL West showdown at Globe Life Field on Sunday, May 18. This rivalry matchup comes at a pivotal point in the season, with both clubs jockeying for position in a competitive division. Houston sends left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound, while Texas counters with young righty Jack Leiter. With the Astros looking to close the gap and the Rangers aiming to defend their home turf, this game could have postseason implications down the line.

The Astros enter the contest with veteran southpaw Framber Valdez on the bump. Valdez has posted a 2–4 record with a 3.54 ERA across his first several starts. While his win-loss record may not reflect his performance, Valdez has been solid, limiting hard contact and keeping games close. Offensively, Houston has been inconsistent this season, especially on the road. Their lineup still features dangerous hitters like Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez, but production has varied series to series. In lower-scoring affairs, Valdez gives the Astros a fighting chance, especially if they can scrape together timely hits.

Jack Leiter continues to gain experience as part of the Rangers’ starting rotation. The right-hander holds a 3–2 record with a 4.34 ERA, showing flashes of promise but also moments of inconsistency. Texas, however, has been strong at home this year and looks to capitalize on that edge. The Rangers’ offense has been led by Marcus Semien and Adolis García, but like Houston, run support can come and go. If Leiter can avoid giving up the big inning, Texas may have the upper hand with the bats and the bullpen at home.

This matchup shapes up as a close, low-scoring affair with solid starting pitching on both sides. While Framber Valdez gives Houston a slight edge on the mound, the Rangers’ strong home record and young talent make them dangerous. Expect a tightly contested game, but lean slightly toward the Rangers on the moneyline, especially if their bullpen holds up. Final Score Prediction, Texas Rangers 4-3.