Texas Rangers at Houston Astros 9/17/20 - MLB Picks & Predictions

On Thursday, the Texas Rangers conclude a three-game series on the road against American League West rival the Houston Astros. The Rangers dropped to 17-31 following a 4-1 loss to the Astros on Tuesday in the first game of the series. Texas has lost four of its last six and is in last place in the AL West 12 ½ games behind the first-place Oakland Athletics.

Third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa is batting .319 to lead Texas and has team-highs in hits with 53 and on-base percentage at .363. Center fielder Joey Gallo is leading in home runs with nine and RBIs with 22. On Thursday, Texas will send Jordan Lyles to the mound. The right-hander 1-4 with an ERA of 7.80, 27 Ks and 20 BBs.

Houston improved to 24-24 following its victory on Tuesday over the Rangers. The Astros are in second place in the AL West 5 ½ games behind the first-place Athletics, but Houston has lost three of its last five and 9 of its last 12. The Astros are leading the third-place Seattle Mariners by just two games and must remain in second place if they want to secure a postseason berth.

Shortstop Carlos Correa is batting .274 to lead Houston and has team-highs in hits with 45 and on-base percentage at .346. Center fielder George Springer is leading in home runs with 10 and right fielder Kyle Tucker is leading in RBIs with 37. On Thursday, the Astros will send Framber Valdez to the mound. The left-hander is 3-3 with an ERA of 4.08, 57 Ks and 15 BBs.