Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros Series Preview

The Rangers are back home for a quick six game home stand, starting with a weekend series against the in-state rivals, the Houston Astros.

Much could be said on if rivalries really matter when the teams aren’t evenly matched however, the Rangers can play spoiler. Houston currently holds the lead in the American League West, up 5.5 games over the Oakland A’s who are currently on a five game losing streak. The A’s are currently playing the red hot Yankees for a four game series and if they can’t manage a win against them, the next best thing would be for the Rangers to hold Houston with the lead they have and not let them extend it.

For tonight’s game, once again the Rangers will have a rookie make his debut, righty Glenn Otto.

Texas will face Jake Odorizzi who is 6-6 with a 4.52 ERA. This will be his third appearance against the Rangers this season, he’s pitched 8.2 innings and given up three runs on six hits and two walks.

Saturday’s matchup will be Framber Valdez and Kolby Allard. Valdez is 8-4 this season with a 2.94 ERA. When he faced the Rangers about a month ago, he pitched six innings of no-hit baseball but walked six. This will be Allard’s fifth game against Houston this season but just the second start. He’s given up seven runs on nine hits and five walks in that combined seven innings of work.

In Sunday afternoon’s finale, Zack Greinke and Taylor Hearn will face off. Greinke has a 3.38 ERA in three starts against the Rangers this season. He’s given up seven runs on 16 hits and five walks over 18.2 innings of work against Texas. In 7.2 innings pitched against the Astros this season, Hearn has give up two runs on three hits and two walks. Only one of those runs were earned.