American League West Battle: Texas Rangers at Houston Astros

Jun 13, 2017

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I am extremely bullish on Houston Astros right-hander Brad Peacock, who toes the rubber with a 3.15 ERA, 2.44 FIP, 3.44 xFIP and a 3.41 SIERA across 34.1 innings (16 appearances, 4 starts).  The 29-year-old boasts an incredible 12.58 K/9 rate together with a minuscule 0.26 HR/9 rate.

Peacock is backed by a solid Houston bullpen that enters tonight’s game with a 3.64 ERA and 1.15 WHIP at night and a 3.46 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP versus division foes.  In contrast, the Rangers’ relief staff takes the field with a 5.74 ERA and 1.69 WHIP on the road, a 4.67 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP at night and a 5.12 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP against division opponents.

In contrast, the Rangers’ relief staff takes the field with a 5.74 ERA and 1.69 WHIP on the road, a 4.67 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP at night and a 5.12 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP against division opponents.

The Rangers’ offense has been disappointing to date, averaging just 4.4 runs per game on the road (.684 OPS) and 4.4 runs per game versus American League West opposition (.660 OPS).  Houston is averaging 5.4 runs per game versus right-handed starters (.798) and 5.4 runs per game overall this season (.791 OPS).

Texas starter Nick Martinez takes the mound with a 4.88 ERA, 5.67 FIP, 4.99 xFIP and a 4.93 SIERA in nine appearances this season (8 starts), a span covering 48.0 innings of work.  The 26-year-old pitches to contact (5.25 K/9) and is susceptible to the long ball (2.06 HR/9; 17.5% HR/FB).

From a technical standpoint, the Rangers are 7-15 in Martinez’s last 22 starts, including 2-11 in his last thirteen road outings and 2-6 in his last eight road starts against .501 or greater opposition. Meanwhile, Houston is a profitable 40-17 in its last 57 games overall, including 18-7 in its last 25 divisional affairs, 37-18 at home versus teams with a losing record and 21-6 in its last 27 games after allowing five runs or more in its previous game.

Meanwhile, Houston is a profitable 40-17 in its last 57 games overall, including 18-7 in its last 25 divisional affairs, 37-18 at home versus teams with a losing record and 21-6 in its last 27 games after allowing five runs or more in its previous game.

With Houston standing at 41-16 as a favorite of -110 or more, 31-15 at night, 35-14 versus right-handed starters and 22-9 following a loss by four runs or more, take the Astros as Oskeim Sports’ Free Pick for Tuesday, June 13.

Oskeim Sports’ Free Pick for Tuesday: Houston Astros (-174)