Baseball’s best record heads to the Lone Star State on Tuesday. The Brewers, at 89-56, are dreaming of a trip to the World Series. Their opponents tonight, the Rangers, are just hoping to stay alive in the American League playoff race. Even in far different situations, both of these clubs have plenty to play for. Which of these two squads will come out on top during this inter-league matchup? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Tuesday’s showdown between the Brewers and the Rangers.
Texas is favored (-111) over Milwaukee, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Brewers vs. Rangers prediction, preview
Just a few weeks prior, it looked like the Rangers were dead in the water at 64-66. However, the team has reeled off 11 win over their last 15 games, surging back into the playoff race. Right now, Texas is only 1.5 games behind the Mariners for the American League’s final wildcard spot. The club is also 3.5 games behind the rival Astros for first place in the AL West.
The most surprising part of Texas’ late-season turnaround? Superstar shortstop Corey Seager has been out with appendicitis. Slugging outfielder Adolis Garcia (quad) has been sidelined since September 1st. Yet, in spite of these injuries, this offense continues to rake. Over the past two weeks, five different Rangers hitters have recorded an OPS of at least .800. In addition, the team has scored 139 runs since August 1st, the sixth-best mark in baseball during that time.
It’ll be Chad Patrick on the bump for Milwaukee, recalled this week from Triple-A Nashville. Typically, a spot starter is something opposing offenses look forward to. However, the 27-year-old has been stellar in the big leagues this season. Over 21 appearances, he’s notched a 3.60 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 106 strikeouts. In just three of those outings, Patrick has surrendered more than three earned runs. The hurler should have an easier time facing this lineup without the lefty-hitting Seager.
For the home team, it’ll be Jack Leiter on the mound. It hasn’t always been pretty, but the right-hander has become a reliable member of this Texas rotation. Over his last nine starts, he’s allowed more than two runs only once. During that stretch, the 25-year-old owns a sterling 2.66 ERA. In addition, Leiter is a much better pitcher at home (3.09 ERA) than on the road (4.45 ERA). The Brewers have averaged 4.5 runs over their last 20 games, the league’s tenth-worst mark.
Brewers vs. Rangers pick, best bet
Best Bet: Brewers vs. Rangers under 8.5 total runs (-120)
The Rangers are dealing with injuries to their best hitters. On the other side, Milwaukee has looked off at the plate recently. Right now, it’s difficult to trust either lineup. Patrick and Leiter aren’t world-beaters, but they are capable of pitching well. Expect both starters, and two elite bullpens, to keep tonight’s scoring in check.
