There are 10 games of MLB action across Monday’s slate. With first pitch scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET, the Texas Rangers will face off with the Athletics in an American League West matchup. These two teams are currently tied for the division lead with an 8-7 record.
The Rangers are -126 moneyline favorites for the series opener on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Athletics sit as a +104 underdog, with the run total set at O/U 8.5.
Rangers at Athletics prediction, preview
The Rangers won their first two series against the Phillies and Orioles before getting swept by the Reds, then took all three games from the Mariners, and then dropped two of three against the Dodgers. The Rangers are 10-5 against the run line and 6-7-2 to the over/under.
Nathan Eovaldi is scheduled to start for the Rangers on Monday. It’s been a tough start for the 36-year-old, who has posted a 7.98 ERA and 1.84 WHIP, while allowing four home runs, across his first three starts (14.2 innings). The projected A’s roster has slashed .300/.352/.460 against Eovaldi in 50 at-bats. Shea Langeliers is 4-for-12 with two doubles and a home run in his career against Eovaldi.
The Rangers are hitting .233 with a .684 OPS this season — ranking fifth in home runs (17) but just 23rd in RBIs (55). Newly acquired outfielder Brandon Nimmo has gotten off to an electric start, carrying a .367 average with a 1.033 OPS and three home runs. Corey Seager leads the team with four home runs and 10 RBIs. Danny Jansen, Andrew McCutchen, Joc Pederson, and Wyatt Langford also play key roles.
After a slow start, the Athletics have won five straight games, taking two of three from the Yankees before sweeping the Mets. The A’s are 10-5 against the run line and 5-9-1 to the over/under.
Luis Severino is tabbed for the start Monday night. The 32-year-old has struggled across his first three starts, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.80 WHIP over 13.1 innings. He has yet to allow a home run this season, but has yielded at least two earned runs in each outing. The Rangers’ projected lineup is slashing .320/.386/.627 with six home runs in 75 career at-bats against Severino.
The Athletics are hitting .235 with a .665 OPS this season. Langeliers leads the team with five home runs and a .914 OPS, along with 10 RBIs and nine runs scored. Max Muncy isn’t far behind with an .853 OPS on a team-high 18 hits and 12 runs scored. Nick Kurtz, Jeff McNeil, Jacob Wilson, and Brent Rooker also play notable roles.
Rangers at Athletics pick, best bet
Neither offense has found its stride just yet, and this pitching matchup could be the cure. My lean would be toward the Rangers picking up the victory, but I’m backing the teams to clear the modest 8.5-run line.
Eovaldi has gotten clobbered to start the season as he struggles to limit the long ball, and he’s yet to escape an outing this season without allowing at least two runs.
While Severino’s concerns haven’t been quite as pronounced, his eight earned runs in 13.1 innings are far from ideal. He has also given up at least two earned runs in each game, and he’s issued five walks in back-to-back games. It’s also not encouraging that the projected Texas lineup owns a career 1.012 OPS against Severino.
The Athletics racked up 11 runs just two games ago, which seems like an appetizer for their return to the hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park. Eight of their last nine games as underdogs against division rivals have cleared the run line. With warm weather and limited winds, expect some crooked numbers on the scoreboard Monday night.
Best bet: Over 8.5 Runs (-112)
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