We have a pair of first-place teams meeting up as the surprise Texas Rangers will host the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, May 16. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 pm ET while airing on MLB.TV.
This game is essentially a pick’em with both teams holding -110 odds on the moneyline. The total is set at 9.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Rangers vs. Braves predictions below.
Rangers vs. Braves Odds
- Spread: Braves -110 / Rangers -110
- Total: 9.5
Odds via BetMGM. New to this sportsbook? You can receive up to $1,000 in second-chance bets! Click here for more details or claim the offer in the banner below.
Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, May 16
- Time: 8:05 pm ET
- Location: Globe Life Field – Arlington, TX
- TV: MLB.TV
Live in a non-sports betting state? Check out these sportsbook alternatives in our complete guide: Can I Bet On Sports In A Non-Legal State?
Starting Pitchers
- Braves: LHP Jared Shuster (0-1, 8.31 ERA, 2.42 WHIP)
Shuster is a 24-year-old lefty who started two major league games, both of which came earlier this season. The results weren’t great, as the southpaw gave up 12 hits and eight earned runs with only five strikeouts across 8.2 innings over those two appearances. Shuster was then sent back down the minors in early April, but he’ll be called up for Tuesday’s game.
- Rangers: RHP Dane Dunning (3-0, 1.72 ERA, 0.86 WHIP)
Dunning started the season as a reliever while recently transitioning back into the starting rotation. His last two starts have gone well, allowing just eight hits and two earned runs with eight strikeouts in 11 total innings.
Rangers Betting Trends
- Rangers are 7-3 in their last 10 overall.
- Over is 4-0 in Rangers last 4 home games.
Our top MLB props. Everyday. Josh Shepardson runs through his Best MLB Player Props Today for this slate of games.
Braves Betting Trends
- Braves are 14-5 in their last 19 road games.
- Under is 4-0 in Braves last 4 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Rangers vs. Braves Predictions
Even though Dunning has been solid this season, most of that work came as a reliever. For his career, the right-handed tosser has been nothing more than a mediocre starting pitcher. His career strikeout rate is below average at 8.16 K/9 with an above-average walk rate of 3.34 BB/9. Overall, he has a 4.17 ERA across four seasons and 336.1 innings.
Shuster was knocked around in his first two starts of the season against the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals. Now he’s facing a dangerous Texas offense that ranks third in wRC+. The Rangers are also third in wRC+ (124) against left-handed pitchers this year.
In fact, both of these teams know how to hit, as the Braves are second in wRC+ on the season. With a pair of vulnerable pitchers on the bump, the over makes for a solid wager.
The Pick: Over 9.5 | -120 at BetMGM Sportsbook
