The AL Central Division leaders Texas Rangers get a boost in their lineup Monday (8:05 pm ET) when they play the Chicago White Sox in the first of a three game set at Rangers Park. Returning to the Rangers lineup after stints on the Disabled List are reigning American League MVP Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz, who have been activated and are expected in the lineup in time to play the White Sox tonight.
Oddsmakers list the Rangers as -180 odds series favorites for the three game set versus the White Sox whose backers are getting +150 odds as underdogs. For series action to count, all games must have been played by the end of May 25.
Most sports shops list the Rangers as -156 MLB Odds favorites for Monday's game with a combined game score of 8 1/2. White Sox backers are getting +141 odds on the offshore moneyline.
For Monday's game, the Rangers start right-hander Alexi Ogando who is 4-0 on the season with a 2.13 ERA. Countering for Chicago is John Danks who is 0-6 in nine starts this season with a 4.32 ERA.
This is Danks second straight start against the Rangers. Last Tuesday he did not factor in the decision but pitched well lasting 6 1/2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits while walking six and striking out two. Ogando had a solid start in Kansas City his last time out allowing just four hits and two runs lasting seven innings but did not get the decision in a game that eventually went extra innings.
In Sunday's interleague play, the Rangers were 2-0 winners on the road Sunday against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park as +130 underdogs. In the game, the two runs scored took the UNDER way below the games posted 8-run total. The White Sox were 8-3 home winners over the Los Angeles Dodgers covering ATS as -122 favorites, while the 11-runs that crossed the plate took the total OVER the posted 9-runs.
For tonight's MLB Predictions - I pick the Rangers to get a SU win (-156) with Ogando pitching. MLB Best Bet- Rangers SU -156.
