Astros vs. Rangers Prediction, Best Bets & Odds for 8/31

The Houston Astros are going for the sweep of the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Last night, Houston picked up win #83 on the season, riding eight excellent innings by Framber Valdez and a combined five hits and three runs by Jose Altuve and Jeremy Pena to a 4-2 win. Justin Verlander was placed on 15-day injured list with a right calf injury. Cristian Javier will start for Houston against All-Star hurler Martin Perez.

Justin Verlander was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday. He left his start after three innings due to calf discomfort.

Houston Astros are 1st in the AL West and Texas Rangers are 3rd in AL. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 2:05 p.m. Eastern Time (1:5 p., local time).

Perez has had a good season with six quality starts since the All-Star break. He has allowed just eight runs in six starts, but against the Astros on August 9 he gave up seven runs and gave six hits and three walks in five innings. His previous two starts against Houston this season had allowed one run, ten hits, and one walk in 16 innings, so he should improve against them.

Javier took the loss in relief of Lance McCullers Jr. against the Orioles on Friday. Javier's first four August starts were as a starter and he went 4 for 4 with quality starts. He has made three starts against Texas this season and has picked up one win, one loss and one no-decision.

Astros vs. Rangers is a game on 8/31.

The Astros are 11-4 in their season series with the Rangers. The losing team has been held to three or fewer runs in 13 of this season’s 15 matchups. The Astros have held their rivals to 3 or less runs 10 times in 11 of the 11 games.