Published Apr 9, 5:06pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 9, 5:06pm ET
Shutterstock
Updated Apr 9, 5:06pm ET
|
|
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | -215 |
| Texas Rangers | +193 |
Rangers righty Kumar Rocker has shown flashes of brilliance since being drafted 3rd overall in 2022. That was one year after the Mets took him 10th overall, but walked away from him over concerns about his arm. He ultimately needed Tommy John surgery.
In 2025, he had a 5.74 ERA in 14 starts with a -1.0 bWAR. He allowed 11 homers in 64.1 innings, walked 23, and struck out 56.
In his first start in 2026 against the Reds, Rocker took the loss while pitching solidly. In 5 innings, he allowed 6 hits, 2 earned runs, walked 1, and struck out 3.
Texas is off to a surprisingly good start this season despite making significant roster changes and slashing salary. Brandon Nimmo has been tearing it up in his first year as a Ranger with a .340 batting average, a .415 on-base percentage, and .a 489 slugging percentage. Corey Seager is batting .238, but has 3 homers. Joc Pederson is continuing his stumble from 2025 when he batted .181. So far this season, he's hitting .120.
Against Glasnow, Danny Jansen is 2 for 6 with 2 homers. Andrew McCutchen is 2 for 7 with 2 homers. Pederson is 2 for 10 with a double and a home run.
The Dodgers are 9-3 and had their 5-game win streak snapped against the Blue Jays on Wednesday.
They try to start a new streak hosting the Rangers and send Glasnow to the hill.
In 2 starts this season, the oft-injured righty has thrown 12 innings, allowed 8 hits, and 4 earned runs. He's walked 3 and struck out 15. Given the Dodgers' objectives, they're not particularly worried about Glasnow giving them 150 innings and 33 starts. They need him healthy for the playoffs.
At the plate, Shohei Ohtani has not yet started hitting as expected, but he still has an .896 OPS and 3 homers. Newcomer Kyle Tucker has a .741 OPS. Andy Pages is leading the majors in hitting at .413. Suffice it to say, he's not going to maintain that production.
Mookie Betts is on the injured list with an oblique issue. Max Muncy is batting .216 with 1 homer. Will Smith has cooled down after a blazing start and is batting .270 with a .774 OPS.
Rocker has never faced any member of the Dodgers in MLB.
The Dodgers are a machine. Rocker is still finding his way and trying to establish himself in the majors. Given how LA is patient at the plate and looks for pitches it can hit out of the park, it does not bode well for Texas.
The Dodgers will know Rocker around. Glasnow will give them his usual 5-6 innings and hand it over to the bullpen with LA getting back in the win column.
|
Pick
Los Angeles Dodgers -215
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
