Mere weeks remain in the 2026 MLB season. That means the time is now for the Rangers (74-76) to start reeling off wins. Texas finds itself just one behind the Astros for first place in the American League West. As for the Red Sox (82-68), a postseason spot is all but secured. Still, gaining momentum heading into the postseason will be key for this Boston squad. Which of these playoff hopefuls has the edge going into Tuesday’s matchup?
The Rangers are favorites (-130) over the Red Sox; the over/under is set at 7.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Tuesday’s showdown between Boston and Texas on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Red Sox vs. Rangers pick, best bet today
- Rangers ML (-130): Sandoval’s lack of command, combined with Texas’ success vs. lefties, puts the Red Sox in a difficult spot. That’s without factoring in deGrom, still one of the game’s premier pitchers. The Rangers are poised for a much-needed win on Tuesday.
Red Sox vs. Rangers prediction, preview
Patrick Sandoval will toe the slab, making his 12th start of the season. Over 55.0 innings pitched, the southpaw has tallied a 4.58 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 57 strikeouts (9.3 K/9). It’s safe to say the 29-year-old has been a bit hit or miss for the Red Sox. That’s not a surprise when considering his lack of command (4.4 BB/9). A look under the hood isn’t very promising, either. Sandoval sits within the 15th percentile or worse in xERA (5.28), xBA (.280) and chase rate (27.1%); not exactly someone you can trust when they take the mound.
This Rangers offense isn’t the most dangerous group; they’re 26th in runs scored (624). Playing half their games at pitcher-friendly Globe Life Field doesn’t help matters. With that being said, the team has shown signs of life over the past few weeks. Since September 1st, Texas is tied for the league’s 12th-most runs scored (62). To boot, this has the potential to be a good matchup for these batters. The Rangers are leading the American League with a stellar .766 OPS against left-handed pitching. Keep an eye out for Corey Seager; the standout shortstop has a .304/.368/.549 slash line over the past month.
Jacob deGrom gets the nod tonight, making his most important start of 2026. Through 149.1 innings of work, he’s produced a 3.80 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 186 strikeouts (11.2 K/9). It’s not quite the level of dominance we’ve grown accustomed to from the right-hander, but those numbers are nothing to sneeze at. Over his last 19.0 frames, the two-time Cy Young winner has allowed just two earned runs (0.95 ERA). His home/away splits are nothing short of dramatic; deGrom has a sublime 2.46 ERA when pitching at Globe Life. Even in a ‘down’ year, the veteran sits within the 90th percentile or better in fastball velocity (97.3 MPH), chase rate (35.5%), whiff rate (33.8%) and strikeout rate (30.9%).
A midsummer surge flipped Boston’s season on its head. That turnaround was made possible by a suddenly potent offense, one of the sport’s best over the past three months. With that being said, the last few weeks haven’t been anything to write home about in Beantown. The team’s 45 runs in the month of September are third-worst in the big leagues, ahead of only Houston (39) and Kansas City (44). This is a particularly difficult spot for the Red Sox as well. Their .660 OPS on the road against right-handed pitching ranks last in the majors. When deGrom faced Boston on June 13th in Fenway Park, he allowed two runs over six innings.
deGrom, even if he’s not quite as dangerous, remains the clear cut best pitcher in this matchup. Much to the delight of Rangers fans, he’s beginning to look like his old self on the mound as well. The Red Sox, without much to play for, are turning to the inconsistent Sandoval. Texas has shown a knack for hammering opposing lefties; that’s enough to back the home team tonight.
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