Rangers vs Diamondbacks Odds and Picks (Sep. 8)

• The Rangers and Diamondbacks wrap up a quick two-game set on Wednesday afternoon at Chase Field
• Arizona is a -150 home favorite
• Find the odds, lines, preview, and prediction below

The Texas Rangers (49-88, 18-51 away) visit the Arizona Diamondbacks (45-93, 28-41 home) on Wednesday at Chase Field. The first pitch is set for 3:40 PM ET. Kohei Arihara takes the mound for Texas, while Arizona counters with Luke Weaver.

The Rangers have one of the worst road records in the entire big leagues, but they did win back-to-back games against the Angels on Sunday and Monday in Anaheim. Prior to the series opener on Tuesday, these two teams are 1-1 against each other in 2021.

Rangers vs Diamondbacks Odds

Odds as of September 7th at DraftKings.

Probable Pitchers

The Rangers recently got Arihara back after a stint on the 60-day IL due to a shoulder aneurysm. The Japanese right-hander was in the Texas rotation before getting hurt, making a total of eight starts this season. He returned on September 1st and pitched well against the Rockies, allowing only one run in 3.1 innings of work while striking out three hitters. Given that he’s still building up his stamina, the 29-year-old will likely be given a pitch count once again on Wednesday, which means the Rangers bullpen will be in the game earlier than expected.

https://twitter.com/ohtanismiles/status/1435086738259529730

Arihara is in his rookie season after five years in the Nippon Professional Baseball League therefore he’s never faced the Diamondbacks. For 2021, Arihara has gone 2-3 in 32 innings while posting a 6.19 ERA. Although he has been hit around, his first appearance since coming off the IL is a positive sign, especially against a Colorado offense that swings it well.

Arihara vs Weaver

Weaver also just returned from injury as he landed on the 60-day IL with a rotator cuff strain. His first start since was impressive, limiting a solid San Diego Padres lineup to just one run over six frames. Trent Grisham’s solo homer was the only real damage. In nine outings this season, the former Florida State standout has gone 3-3 with a 4.11 ERA, striking out 41 hitters in 46 innings. His four-seamer has been very effective, with oppositions batting a mere .206 off the pitch.

Luke Weaver was firing on all cylinders in his return to the mound. 💪 pic.twitter.com/fL2rdk6yZf

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 1, 2021

Weaver has faced one hitter on the Rangers roster in Jason Martin, but it was just one at-bat. However, he has pitched outstanding at Chase Field in 2021, posting a 1.32 ERA in five starts. On top of that, his ERA in afternoon games is 2.14. That being said, all signs point to another quality start for Weaver here.

Rangers Improving Lately

Texas is a mile off playoff contention, but they have been playing better over the last week. The Rangers have won five of their last eight games and two straight against the Angels. Rookie A.J. Alexy was lights out in the finale, tossing six innings and giving up zero runs. In fact, through his first two MLB starts, he hasn’t allowed a run and surrendered a total of two hits, which made history.

A.J. Alexy allowed 1 hit over 5+ shutout innings in each of his first 2 career games.

He is the first MLB player since at least 1893 to go 5+ shutout innings and allow 1-or-0 hits in each of his first two appearances, both starts (h/t @EliasSports). pic.twitter.com/flRjuBEmL2

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 7, 2021

The Rangers are hitting just .230 on the year but unfortunately, they’re slashing just .223 on the road this season. The offense has not been a strong suit and Weaver is a tough arm to face when he’s pitching at home.

Tough Spell For Arizona

The losses continue to rack up for the D-Backs after getting swept by the Seattle Mariners over the weekend. To make matters worse, Arizona is just 2-8 in their last 10 games. Pitching has been the biggest problem for this team, sitting 29th in the Majors with a 5.16 ERA. To put that into perspective, the top ERA in their rotation is 4.30, which belongs to Merrill Kelly. When it comes to the bullpen, they haven’t been any better, boasting a 5.30 ERA.

The #FreightTrain ties Miguel Montero for 8th on the #Dbacks all-time home run list!

Oh, and gives us the lead too! pic.twitter.com/L1ziScocT3

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 5, 2021

While the postseason is far out of reach, it’s not getting any easier for the Diamondbacks. Following this Texas series, Arizona faces the Mariners, Dodgers, Astros, Braves, then LA again. Needless to say, it’s a tough road ahead for them.

Rangers vs Diamondbacks Prediction

Texas doesn’t play well away from Globe Life Field and Weaver is untouchable at home. While both teams have awful records in afternoon contests, I have to back the Diamondbacks here solely because of their starting pitcher. He will keep the Rangers at bay.

Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks moneyline (-150)