Texas Rangers at Arizona Diamondbacks odds, picks and predictions

The Texas Rangers (72-52) open a 2-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks (64-61) Monday. First pitch from Chase Field is at 9:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Diamondbacks odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: tied 1-1

The Rangers head out on a 9-game road trip as losers of 4 straight games, including being swept in a 3-game set vs. the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend. Texas maintains a 2 1/2-game lead in the AL West over the Houston Astros despite its recent struggles.

The Diamondbacks have rebounded from losing their first 9 games in August by winning 7 of their last 9 outings. Arizona took 3 of 4 games on the road vs. the San Diego Padres over the weekend, including both games of a doubleheader Saturday. The Diamondbacks are in 3rd place in the NL West, 13 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, but only a game back in the NL Wild Card race.

Rangers at Diamondbacks projected starters

LHP Jordan Montgomery vs. RHP Slade Cecconi

Montgomery (8-10, 3.30 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 through 139 IP for the Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

• Last start: Win, 6 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 9 K in 7-3 home win over Los Angeles Angels Tuesday
• Is 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA in 3 starts with the Rangers

Cecconi (0-0, 3.48 ERA) makes his 3rd start and 4th appearance. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 4 BB and 7 K through 10 1/3 IP.

• Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K in 9-7 road win vs. Colorado Rockies Wednesday
• Has not allowed more than 2 runs in any appearance this season but has failed to get through 5 full innings in any outing

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Rangers at Diamondbacks odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Rangers at Diamondbacks picks and predictions

Prediction

Diamondbacks 6, Rangers 5

The Rangers have lost 4 in a row and 5 out of 7. They have been held to 2 or fewer runs in 3 of the 4 games in the losing streak.

The Diamondbacks have won 7 of their last 9 and they scored 14 runs in their doubleheader Saturday.

BET DIAMONDBACKS (+135).

The Rangers are 72-52 ATS overall this season while the Diamondbacks are 67-58 ATS.

Arizona is 7-2 ATS in its last 9, winning every game outright that in which they covered the spread.

The Rangers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4. They were favored in all those games.

PASS.

Both games the 2 teams played in Texas back in May had 10 or more runs.

Four of Arizona’s last 7 games have reached 10 or more runs.

Three of the Rangers’ last 6 games have had totals of 10 or more.

BET OVER 9.5 (+100).

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup