Rangers at Astros 9/17/19 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Texas Rangers open a short two-game series on the road Tuesday against American League West rival the Houston Astros. The Rangers were beaten on Sunday by the Oakland A’s 6-1 and were swept in the three-game series by Oakland. The Rangers bats fell silent on Sunday with just three singles in six innings against Oakland starter Sean Manaea. Shin-Soo Choo had three hits.

Houston defeated the Kansas City Royals 12-3 on Sunday and swept the Royals in the three-game series. Wade Miley pitched six solid innings to earn his 14th win following a pair of very poor starts. Josh Reddick blasted a two-run home run amongst his five hits in the win. Houston maintains a 7 ½-game lead atop the AL West over Oakland.

Elvis Andrus leads Texas with a .272 batting average and in hits with 152. Rougned Odor leads in home runs with 27 and RBIs with 81. Texas is averaging .248 at the plate, while opponents are averaging .267. On Tuesday, the Rangers will send Lance Lynn to the mound. The right-hander is 14-10 with an ERA of 3.72, 216 Ks and 56 BBs.

Michael Brantley leads the Astros with a .321 batting average and in hits with 175. Alex Bregman leads in home runs with 36 and in RBIs with 104. Houston has a .276 batting average while opponents are averaging .220. On Tuesday, the Astros will send Justin Verlander to the mound. The right-hander is 18-6 with an ERA of 2.58, 275 Ks and 38 BBs.