LA Angels (9-8) at Texas (11-7)
- When: Apr 17 2025,8:05 PM
- Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington
- Where to watch: FDSW
MLB Expert Preview: Angels vs. Rangers – Odds, Predictions, and Props
Odds:
Moneyline: Texas Rangers -152
Total Runs (O/U): 9.5
Texas Rangers Outlook
The red-hot Rangers are rolling, having taken the first two games of this series and looking for the sweep at home. With an 11-7 record, they’re tied with the Yankees for the best mark in the American League and are showing why they’re a contender again.
Texas will send Kumar Rocker (0-2, 7.94 ERA) to the mound. While he’s still finding his rhythm in the majors, Rocker relies on pitching to contact rather than striking batters out, recording only six strikeouts in 11.1 innings across three starts. In his latest outing in Seattle, he was strong early but struggled with command as the game progressed.
The key for Rocker is getting ahead in counts — when he falls behind, he becomes predictable, leading to hard contact. If he can keep the ball low and mix pitches, he should perform better against a struggling Angels lineup.
Offensively, Corey Seager and Jake Burger have sparked the Rangers this series. Seager notched three hits and two RBIs in Wednesday’s win, and Burger also added three hits and drove in a run. Look for Seager Over 1.5 Total Bases and Burger to Record an RBI as value props.
Texas has been especially dominant late in games, with their bullpen allowing just one hit over 3.2 shutout innings on Wednesday. Closer Luke Jackson has been lights-out, recording his sixth save on just six pitches.
Los Angeles Angels Breakdown
The Angels (9-9) have cooled off after a hot start, dropping three straight and losing two consecutive series. They’ll turn to Jack Kochanowicz (1-1, 5.74 ERA) to halt the slide.
Kochanowicz isn’t going to miss many bats either — he’s registered just nine strikeouts in 15.2 innings. His strength lies in inducing ground balls with a nasty sinker. However, in his last start, he was roughed up by Houston, allowing six runs in under five innings. His career ERA vs. Texas is a respectable 4.15, but he’s 0-2 in those outings.
Given Texas’ red-hot bats and Kochanowicz’s contact-heavy style, expect plenty of action on the basepaths. Fade his strikeout total with Under 3.5 Strikeouts as a sharp prop.
The Angels’ lineup has gone cold at the wrong time, managing just six hits on Wednesday. They’ll need more out of their top bats to avoid being swept.
Betting Prediction & Picks
Best Bet (ATS/Moneyline): Texas Rangers -1.5 (+135) / -152 ML
Texas is simply the better team right now and should finish the sweep at home.
Over/Under Total: Over 9.5 (-110)
With two low-strikeout pitchers and hot bats, especially on Texas’ side, this one has slugfest potential.
Player Props:
Corey Seager Over 1.5 Total Bases
Jake Burger to Record an RBI
Jack Kochanowicz Under 3.5 Strikeouts
Final Score Prediction: Rangers 7, Angels 4
Texas stays hot, while L.A.’s pitching woes continue.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
