The Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres are two teams that have been consistently near the top of their divisions for the past few years. This year, however, they’re starting off even stronger. The upcoming contest will be a good opportunity for them to test their capabilities for the new year.
Regarding statistics, there is not much to separate these two teams in the MLB standings. Both teams have similar batting averages and on-base percentages. The Rangers have a slight edge in home runs, but the Padres lead in batting average. On the other hand, San Diego has a slightly better ERA on the pitching side, but both are almost dead, even in fielding percentage.
Let’s take a quick look at the Rangers vs Padres odds, betting trends, and predictions.
Texas Rangers vs. San Diego Padres Odds
This is going to be one of the most intense MLB games today, but Rangers vs Padres odds are scarce. Spring Training games don’t carry the same weight for sportsbooks as regular season games, and teams aren’t as focused on wins.
Instead, managers are looking at what the players can bring in order to create the rosters that will help them enter the season strong. Given how the Texas Rangers score, running up the board is definitely possible.
Texas Rangers vs. San Diego Padres Matchup Information
Texas Rangers vs San Diego Padres
Location of the Game: Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria, AZ.
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 1, 2023, 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: Bally’s Sports Southwest
Texas Rangers vs. San Diego Padres Betting Preview
Texas Rangers
The Rangers are coming into this game on the MLB schedule hot off a three-game winning streak. They took down the Colorado Rockies in their last game, and they’re looking to keep that momentum going against the Padres. The Rangers’ offense has been clicking lately, so they’ll be tough to beat.
Texas already has three double-digit games in Spring Training, although today will be unique. It’s a split game for Texas, with some players meeting the Padres and others taking on the LA Dodgers. New manager Bruce Bochy, a former Padres player, coach, and manager, will certainly have taken the necessary measures to divide the team properly.
The Rangers will likely start with Nick Martinez on the mound before switching things up with Ryan Weathers and Craig Stammen. Along with Sean Poppen, Weathers, and Stammen are looking for spots on the roster and have much to prove in the game.
San Diego Padres
When looking at the history of these two teams, the Padres have had the upper hand against the Rangers. They’ve won 13 of the 16 games these teams have played against each other. Most recently, San Diego had no trouble against the Rangers in last year’s Spring Training, taking them out 11-5.
Ahead of the Padres game today, the team gave Manny Machado a new 11-year contract worth $350 million. The third baseman is set for life, and will make the most of the deal this season. In the MLB player stats, his 5,007 plate appearances since the start of the 2015 season are the most in the league, and, in that span, he’s played in more games (1,156) than everyone but Paul Goldschmidt (1,158).
At the same time, the loss of Joe Musgrove to injury is going to be costly. The MLB injury report shows that the pitcher broke his toe while working out and, after being the most likely starter on Opening Day, will miss a few weeks.
San Diego is also going to count on Fernando Tatis Jr. The Padres initially wanted him to take it easy this season and not try to steal so many bases, but they changed course. Tatis has the green light to go for broke, allowing him to do one of the things he does best.
Texas Rangers vs. San Diego Padres Betting Picks
When looking at the Rangers vs Padres odds, it’s clear that these two MLB teams are both full of talented players with advanced strategies. This makes it difficult to pick who will come out on top.
However, the Rangers have a slight edge based on their recent performances. When making MLB picks, the game will see both teams able to make huge offensive plays, and the score can easily get into the double-digit range.
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