Red Sox vs Rangers Odds – Smoltz, Beckett will get Boston back on track
Entering the Red Sox vs Rangers odds, you have to wonder if both teams want a post-All-Star-break do-over. Instead of emerging from the break rested, Boston and Texas have struggled. Suddenly, the Red Sox lead the Yankees by just a game while the Rangers have fallen behind. Who will get back on track at the offshore sportsbook?
Red Sox vs Rangers odds: Superior pitching staff gives Boston series edge
- Millwood coming back to Earth, Smoltz returning to form
- Josh Beckett loves pitching in the Lone Star State
- Wakefield’s wins mask his overall mediocrity
Tonight, 8:05 p.m. ET
John Smoltz (1-2, 5.40) vs Kevin Millwood (8-7, 3.46)
The Red Sox vs Rangers odds open with a battle between crafty vets and former Atlanta teammates John Smoltz and Kevin Millwood. Whereas Millwood’s great first-half run seems to be ending, Smoltz may be rounding into form.
After dominating in June (4-1, 1.30), Millwood has an 8.83 ERA this month, seeing his season ERA rise by about a run. However, his struggles are inflated by one poor start in which he allowed nine earned runs to the Angels. He’s still very strong at Rangers Ballpark, where he’s 6-1 with a 2.49 ERA this season.
John Smoltz is still working his arm back to full strength and, while he hasn’t wowed baseball betting fans, he looked a lot like his old self in his most recent start. He held the Royals to one run in five innings, striking out seven and walking one.
The Rangers are a slight favorite (-117), but Smoltz may have turned a corner in his last start. Give the Red Sox a go.
MLB betting pick: Red Sox
Tuesday, July 21, 8:05 p.m. ET
Josh Beckett (11-3, 3.35) vs Tommy Hunter (1-1, 2.35)
There’s something magical about Josh Beckett pitching in Texas. Is it because it’s his home state? Whatever the reason, he’s untouchable at Rangers Ballpark, sporting a 0.75 ERA over two starts there. Aside from a weak April, he’s been one of the American League’s best pitchers this season, so it’s hard to go against his Red Sox vs Rangers odds.
Tommy Hunter continues to surprise for Texas, but he’s issued nine walks in 23.1 innings. A patient, powerful team like Boston should exploit that problem.
MLB betting pick: Red Sox
Wednesday, July 22, 8:05 p.m. ET
Tim Wakefield (11-3, 4.31) vs Vicente Padilla (7-5, 4.67)
Tim Wakefield’s season ERA: 4.31. His career ERA: 4.32. He’s as reliable and consistent as they come, though his value gets inflated by the big win total. He’s great when his knuckler dances but pretty bad when it doesn’t and, for whatever reason, the Texas air doesn’t treat his knuckler well. Wakefield is 5-12 with a 6.17 ERA in Texas.
Vicente Padilla is pretty bad, especially at home, but his Red Sox vs Rangers odds are a worthy play. He handled Boston early in the year, allowing just two runs against them, and Wakefield’s All-Star selection should make Boston overvalued at the sportsbook. Go with Texas’ sports betting lines.
MLB betting pick: Rangers
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Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball.
