MLB Game Preview: Houston Astros (77-64) vs. Texas Rangers (72-69)

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Venue & First Pitch

  • Location: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
  • Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
  • Time: 8:05 PM ET
  • Broadcast: CW33 (Dallas–Fort Worth), SCHN (Houston), MLB.TV
  • Capacity: 40,300

Weather Forecast (Arlington – Outside Conditions)

  • Conditions: Clear skies, warm evening
  • Temperature: ~88°F (31°C) at first pitch
  • Wind: SSE at 6–8 mph
  • Impact: Minimal — climate-controlled retractable roof likely closed

Injury Report

Astros

  • Isaac Paredes (oblique) – 10‑day IL
  • Spencer Arrighetti (shoulder) – 15‑day IL
  • Josh Hader (elbow) – 15‑day IL

Rangers

  • Nathan Eovaldi (forearm) – 15‑day IL
  • Tyler Mahle (rehab) – questionable
  • Marcus Semien (hamstring) – Day-to-day
  • Corey Seager (wrist) – Day-to-day

Recent Form

Astros (Last 10): 4‑6, .253 AVG, 4.12 ERA, -7 run diff
Rangers (Last 10): 6‑4, .261 AVG, 3.88 ERA, +9 run diff

Probable Pitchers

  • HOU: RHP Hunter Brown (10‑7, 2.34 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 176 K)
    • Last 5 starts: 3‑1, 1.85 ERA; 0.97 WHIP
  • TEX: RHP Merrill Kelly (11‑7, 3.24 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 149 K)
  • Last 5 starts: 2‑2, 3.86 ERA; 1.25 WHIP

Key Player Matchups

  • Yordan Alvarez (HOU) vs. Merrill Kelly
    • Alvarez: .500 AVG, .786 SLG since return from IL; 1 HR in 6 AB vs. Kelly
  • José Altuve (HOU) vs. Rangers Bullpen
    • .311 AVG in late innings this season
  • Corey Seager (TEX) vs. Hunter Brown
    • Seager: .290 AVG, 2 HR in 20 AB vs. HOU this year
  • Adolis García (TEX) – 34 HR, 94 RBI; power threat in middle of order

Series History

  • 2025: HOU leads 4‑3; last meeting Aug. 14 — TEX 5, HOU 3
  • Recent: Astros have won 12 of last 18 vs. Rangers

Betting Trends

  • Astros: 50‑44 as favorite; 20‑16 when favored at -147 or shorter; UNDER in 69 of 141 games
  • Rangers: 25‑44 as underdog; 2‑15 when +122 or longer; UNDER in 77 of 141 games (No. 1 in MLB)
  • Head-to-Head: UNDER in 5 of last 7 meetings

Game Odds

Houston Astros                 – 147

Texas Rangers                    7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, September 4, 2025