Expect a Tight MLB Betting Battle When Rangers Meet Twins on Tuesday

There are a few things to consider when trying to predict whether or not a team will be able to get into the playoffs via the Wild Card. You have to look at how far back they are, how many teams they have to overhaul, and how they, as well as the teams above them are playing right now. These are all things that the Texas Rangers and the Minnesota Twins will be thinking about when they meet in Minnesota on Tuesday night as part of a 3-game MLB betting series.

Texas vs. Minnesota MLB Game Info

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 11th, 8:10 PM Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN TV: FSSW Radio: 105.3 The Fan Opening Line: Minnesota -105 The Texas Rangers (55-55) are going to be coming into this series a little disappointed with themselves. They followed up a crucial 3-game sweep of the Houston Astros by losing 2 of 3 to the Seattle Mariners. Instead of making up more ground, they now find themselves 4.5 games back in the division, and 4 games off the pace in the Wild Card. That said, the Rangers are still a team in pretty good form, having gone 7-3 in their last 10 games. They are creating some real offense, and have a pitching staff that has the ability to give them a chance to win every single night. This series is absolutely crucial, though, especially since the Twins are right with them in the Wild Card race. Yovani Gallardo (8-9, 3.47 ERA) will start for the Rangers, who have won each of the last 3 games he has been on the mound. While the Twins (55-56) are just 4.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot, it is fair to say that they are a team heading in the wrong direction. They have completely fallen apart in the second half, and much of the blame for that collapse has to go to their pitching staff. Their combined ERA in the second half is now well over 6.00, and it continues to climb with each passing series. The Angels gave up 26 runs while being swept in 4 games by the Blue Jays, and then followed that up by surrendering a staggering 34 runs in 3 games to the Cleveland Indians. That they managed to steal one from the Indians is a testament to how well their offense has been playing. Cleveland cannot continue to give up this many runs and hope to stay alive in the playoff picture. Carlos Carrasco (11-8, 3.76 ERA) has been one of the bright lights on the pitching staff, having surrendered just 1 earned run in his last 2 starts.

MLB Injuries

Carrasco gives the Indians an opportunity to win this one, but he will have to go deep in order to keep the bullpen off the field. That is a lot of pressure, and is something that I think the Rangers will exploit.