Thursday MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions for A’s vs. Rangers: Bet on Dane Dunning to Continue Home Success? (Aug. 18)

Thursday MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions for A’s vs. Rangers: Bet on Dane Dunning to Continue Home Success? (Aug. 18) article feature image
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 13: Dane Dunning #33 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the top of the second inning at Globe Life Field on August 13, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

  • The Rangers host the A's in the finale of this four-game set and are looking to earn a series split.
  • Dane Dunning gets the ball for Texas and he's fared much better at home this season.
  • Jules Posner breaks down the matchup and shares a plus-money bet below.

Athletics vs. Rangers Odds

Athletics Odds+155
Rangers Odds-190
Over/Under8 (-110 / -110)
Time2:05 p.m. ET
TVMLB.TV
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here.

The Oakland Athletics look to take the four-game road series against the Texas Rangers with a win on Thursday afternoon. After pulling away late in Wednesday night's match up, the A's offense looks to keep rolling in Texas.

Dane Dunning gets the start for the Rangers and is hoping to lead his club to a series split. Meanwhile, Zach Logue gets the start for the A's before they return home to take on the Seattle Mariners.

Even with a win on Wednesday night, the A's are only 2-8 over their past 10 games. The Rangers dropped to 4-6 over their past 10 games with a loss on Wednesday.

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Oakland Athletics: Troubling Times for Pitching Staff

It has been a lost season for the Oakland A's, but that was to be expected heading into the season. The A's offense has actually been performing relatively well as of late, but the pitching has been a mess.

Zach Logue makes his ninth start of the season for the A's and he's had a rough time on the road, where he's pitched to a 6.14 ERA and a 6.16 FIP. Additionally, he's given up six or more runs in each of his past two road starts.

The A's bullpen has also been one of the worst units in MLB this season. With the departure of Frankie Montas and the regression of Nick Blackburn, it's really hard to rely on the A's pitching in any capacity.

Texas Rangers: Dunning at Home is a Recipe for Success

Dane Dunning gets the start for the Rangers and you know I'm all about Dane Dunning at home. Yes, Dunning is only 2-6 on the season, but both of those wins came at home. Additionally, the Rangers are 6-5 in Dunning's home starts.

It's not just the win-loss record that makes Dunning worthy of backing at home, he also consistently puts up solid numbers in Texas. This season, he has posted a 3.23 home ERA with a 3.68 FIP to match. He's a dog at home.

Speaking of dogs, that is what Rangers' hitters have been at home against southpaws over the past month. Texas has the third highest wRC+ at home against lefties over that span and the Rangers have a favorable match up against Zach Logue.

Athletics-Rangers Pick

The Rangers moneyline opened at -200, which is a tad expensive. However, the A's inconsistency makes it's hard to back them with any confidence. Furthermore, the Rangers possess an edge in every facet of this match up.

The Rangers' runline opened at +100 and should be taken as close to plus money as possible. While there is some risk, the reward is definitely there and, of course, that dog Dane Dunning is on the mound. Look for the Rangers to cover on Thursday. The runline should be played to -115 or better.

Pick: Rangers RL +105

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