Los Angeles Angels vs
Texas RangersPredictions & Preview

Rangers Hold Advantage in AL West Matchup Against Angels with Kumar Rocker on the Mound

On Thursday, April 17, the MLB betting action features a 10-game card, including an AL West matchup between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX at 8:05 PM ET. The Rangers currently hold a 1-0 series lead after blanking the Angels 4-0 in the opener. In this preview, we provide our prediction for the Angels vs. Rangers game, with Jack Kochanowicz (ERA: 5.74) set to start for the Angels and Kumar Rocker (ERA: 7.94) scheduled to pitch for the Rangers. Texas is the betting favorite at -148. Be sure to check out all of our MLB picks for Thursday's games.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Angels +128 | Rangers -148
• Spread: Angels +1.5 (-160) | Rangers -1.5 (+135)
• Total: Over/Under 9.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Texas will win straight-up is 60%.

Los Angeles vs Texas Stats

Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have had a mixed performance recently, with a strong win against the Tampa Bay Rays followed by a string of losses. Despite their ranking as ninth in baseball for runs scored per game and eighth in OPS, the team has struggled in their last four games, scoring only 10 runs while giving up 26. The bullpen has particularly struggled, with a high ERA of 9.24. Jack Kochanowicz will be taking the mound in their upcoming game, with a record of 1-1 this season and a rough outing in his last start against the Houston Astros. The Angels currently have a power ranking of 29, ranking 7th in offense and 26th in defense, and hold a 9-7 record for the season.

Texas Rangers Analysis

The Texas Rangers had a tough week, dropping consecutive three-game road series against the Chicago Cubs and the Seattle Mariners. Their offense struggled, hitting .237/.273/.384 with six home runs in the last seven games, while their bullpen posted a 5.63 ERA and a 3.23 FIP during that stretch. They look to turn things around with Kumar Rocker projected to start in their next game, despite his 0-2 record and 7.94 ERA this season. The Rangers are currently ranked 17th in the power rankings, with a struggling offense ranked 28th in the league. They are 10-7 overall, while the Los Angeles Angels have won their last three matchups against them.

Rangers Gain Strategic Advantage with Pitcher Kumar Rocker Facing Angels in Upcoming Matchup

The Angels will face a new challenge in the form of pitcher Kumar Rocker, providing the Rangers with a strategic advantage in the upcoming matchup. In contrast, the Rangers have a history of success against Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz, boasting an 11-for-36 record with a double and home run to their credit. Although Rocker has faced difficulties in his first three starts of the season, the Rangers have the upper hand in this game. Kochanowicz's reliability is questionable, and the Angels bullpen has notably struggled in recent games, evidenced by a 6.39 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, and .302 batting average against this season. Considering these factors, the Rangers appear to be in a more favorable position for success in this contest.

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