Max Scherzer will get the start for the Rangers (70-48, 40-20 home) as they host the Angels (59-60, 28-32 away) at Globe Life Field. The Angels will give the starting nod to Patrick Sandoval. Check out my prediction for game one of this AL West matchup between the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS VS TEXAS RANGERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Los Angeles Angels +1.5 Runs

This game will be played at Globe Life Field at 8:05 ET on Monday, August 14th.

WHY BET THE LOS ANGELES ANGELS:

  • In their last five games, the Angels have gone 3-2 vs. the runline.
  • The Rangers have struggled against the runline when favored of late, failing to cover in two straight times.
  • Over his last four starts, Patrick Sandoval has an ERA of just 1.88.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS LOOKING FOR UPSET AS ROAD UNDERDOGS

This year, the Angels have put together a 56-63 record against the runline. On the road, their runline mark sits at 30-30. Straight-up, they are 59-60 and are 4th in the AL West. Lately, Los Angeles has had problems on the road, losing two straight series. The team’s over/under record for the season is 58-58.

Starter Patrick Sandoval has had a roller coaster season for the Angels, with an overall record of 6-8 in 20 appearances. His ERA stands at 3.86, and his K/9 is 7.55. He also has a FIP of 4.02 and an OBP of .316.

Patrick Sandoval recently earned a quality start in a no-decision against the Giants, despite the Angels’ 8-3 loss. The lefty allowed five hits and two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings of work.

For the season, the Angels’ offense is averaging 4.8 runs per game. Over their last five games they have swung the bats well, sitting 9th in the league in scoring, with a total of 19 runs. Overall, Los Angeles’ team batting average is .252, putting them 10th in the MLB.

Shohei Ohtani has been the Angels’ most prolific power hitter in 2023, leading the team with 41 home runs and 84 RBIs. His slugging percentage is an impressive .665 for the season.

WILL THE TEXAS RANGERS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?

The Rangers enter today’s action with an overall record of 70-48, putting them in first place in the AL West. So far, they have put together a 40-20 record at home and 30-28. Texas’ overall series record stands at 22-12-2.

Max Scherzer will look to continue his impressive run of form when he takes the mound for Texas. The veteran right-hander has won each of his last three starts and currently holds an 11-4 record with a 3.88 ERA. He has been dominant on the mound, striking out 136 batters while allowing opponents to hit just .232 against him and slugging at a .419 clip.

Max Scherzer earned a quality start and the win in his latest outing, as the Rangers defeated the Athletics 6-1. The veteran pitcher allowed one run and three hits over seven innings of work.

This season, the Rangers are 2nd in the league at 5.7 runs per game. Over their last ten games, they have a combined batting average of .255 (12th) leading to 5 runs per contest. Overall, they are generating 3.5 walks per game compared to 8 strikeouts. Texas’ on-base percentage of .341 has them 2nd in the MLB.

Mitch Garver has been a standout performer for the Rangers in their last five games, leading the team with one home run. He has eight long balls on the season and is batting .282.