Philadelphia Phillies at Texas Rangers odds, picks and predictions

The Philadelphia Phillies (0-1) are slated to take on the Texas Rangers (1-0) in the 2nd game of a 3-game series on Saturday at Globe Life Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Phillies vs. Rangers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Rangers lead 1-0.

The Phillies fell to the Rangers 11-7 Thursday despite jumping out to a 5-0 lead. RHP Aaron Nola got off to a solid start before allowing 5 ER in 3 2/3 IP.

RHP Jacob deGrom struggled in his debut with the Rangers, permitting 5 ER in 3 2/3 IP despite recording 7 K’s. Even with deGrom sputtering his debut, Texas put up 9 runs in the 4th inning to help it defeat Philadelphia.

Phillies at Rangers projected starters

RHP Zack Wheeler vs. RHP Nathan Eovaldi

Wheeler recorded a 12-7 record in 26 starts during the 2022 season, finishing with a 2.82 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 2 BB/9, and 9.6 K/9 in 153 IP.

• Has posted an ERA below 3.00 in each of his 3 seasons with the Phillies.
• Tallied 6 IP or more in 17 of his 26 starts in 2022.

Eovaldi registered a 6-3 record in 20 starts during the 2022 season. He concluded with a 3.87 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9, and 8.5 K/9 in 109 1/3 IP.

• Signed with the Rangers in the offseason after spending 4-plus years with the Boston Red Sox.
• Doesn’t walk batters much as he has tallied 1.7 BB/9 or better in 3 straight seasons.

Phillies at Rangers odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.

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Phillies at Rangers picks and predictions

Prediction

Phillies 5, Rangers 3

After a disappointing result on Opening Day, I’ll take the PHILLIES (-135) to bounce back Saturday. Wheeler should be able to limit the bats of the Rangers, and the Phillies should be able to do some damage against Eovaldi.

PHILLIES -1.5 (+125) has some value as they have the better pitcher on the mound. Philadelphia hasn’t had much success against Texas in quite some time, but I expect that to turn around Saturday.

In 7 of the last 8 meetings between the Phillies and the Rangers, the game has been decided by 2-plus runs.

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Even with Wheeler starting on the bump, I lean toward taking OVER 7.5 (-115) in this contest. Despite OF Bryce Harper and 1B Rhys Hoskins being sidelined, the Phillies still boast a lineup that is capable of scoring runs in bunches.

On the other hand, the Rangers also deploy a lineup that can help hit the Over in this matchup.

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