Texas Rangers at Houston Astros 9/5/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Texas Rangers play the opening game of a three-game series on the road Monday against the Houston Astros. Texas is 58-74 following a 5-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox. Texas had the bases loaded in the ninth inning but could not score. The Rangers have lost seven straight and Texas is third in the American League West, 26 ½ games behind the first place Astros. The Rangers are out of playoff contention.

First baseman Nathaniel Lowe is batting .305 to lead Texas and has team highs in hits with 147 and on-base percentage at .358. Shortstop Corey Seager is the leader in home runs with 29 and center fielder Adolis Garcia is the leader in RBIs with 83. On Monday, the Texas Rangers will send Martin Perez to the mound. The left-hander is 10-5 with a 2.89 ERA, 144 Ks and 54 BBs.

Houston is 85-48 following its 2-1 loss to. The Astros were held to seven hits and Houston left 10 runners on base. Houston starter Luis Garcia gave up just one run on three hits across seven innings. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for Houston. The Astros are first in the American League West, 10 games ahead of the second-place Seattle Mariners.

Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is batting .294 with 31 home runs and a .398 on-base percentage to lead Houston in both. Right fielder Kyle Tucker is the leader in RBIs with 84 and second baseman Jose Altuve is the leader in hits with 125. On Monday, the Houston Astros will send Framber Valdez to the mound. The left-hander is 14-4 with a 2.63 ERA, 150 Ks and 56 BBs.