The Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros are still locked in a fight in the AL West which is going to come right down to the last moments of the regular season. Friday's battle between the Rangers and Halos in Arlington could help decide which of these teams claims the pennant.
ODDS ANALYSIS
There are just two games separating these two teams as we head into the last week of the season, and LA is going to have to win three of these four games just to force a tie in the AL West.
There are chasms separating their profits, though.
The Halos are at 83-74 heading into the final Wednesday of the season, sporting profits of 4.57 units.
The Rangers are at 85-72 and +28.81 units.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Jered Weaver left his last start with arm troubles, something you never like to hear out of any pitcher, let alone one who is a few days short of 33 and has already had some lingering shoulder issues this year.
Whether Weaver ends up starting this game will probably end up being decided closer to game time. If not, Mike Scioscia is running out of options, knowing that Matt Shoemaker is also missing his final turn in the rotation in the regular season as well.
There's less question about Texas' plans. Martin Perez will get the ball on Friday, looking to improve upon his 3-6 record and 4.77 ERA.
Perez has only faced the Angels once this year, tossing six innings and allowing a modest three runs.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"It's something I've dealt with for about nine years. It just wasn't comfortable the entire game. I'll be back out there." – Angels' righty Jered Weaver after being pulled from his last start against the Mariners on Sunday
SITUATIONAL BETTING
Shawn Tolleson just continues to be one of the best closers in baseball you don't know much about. He has 34 saves all of a sudden and has blown just two games since taking over as the full-time stopper in May.
PROP TALK
Mike Trout might not be hitting for power right now, but it's only a matter of time until he is once again. The superstar is still getting good wood on the ball, batting .323 since September 12 with 11 extra base hits over the span of 16 games.
Especially against Perez, a man who let the middle of the order bat 6-for-14 against him just a few weeks ago, Trout is a good bet for prop purposes on Friday night.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Rangers have to finish this division off, and this is the perfect time to do it. The Angels are beaten up right now, and even if Weaver can pitch, we aren't confident he can last more than a few innings and probably should be shut down.
Perez isn't the greatest starter in the world, but the Rangers have been good in their bullpen ever since Tolleson slotted in as the closer. If they can scratch across a few runs early, we suspect they'll be able to finish the job, perhaps getting the opportunity to pop the bubbly in the clubhouse once this one is over.
Texas 6, Los Angeles 4
The baseball betting odds for this Friday game will first be available at BookMaker Sportsbook. BookMaker is going to have multiple betting options available for this televised baseball matchup. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, individual inning run totals and next hitter results. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The game between the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers will start at 8:05 p.m. ET on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Globe Life Park. You can watch the contest live on ESPN.
