Despite an uneven start to the season, the Rangers (24-25) are only 1.5 games out of first in the AL West. Texas has won three of its last four contests coming into tonight. As for the Angels (), Friday is about getting back on track. After an extra-inning loss to the A’s on Thursday, can LA turn things around this evening?

The Rangers are favorites (-168) over the Angels, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s matchup between Texas and Los Angeles on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Rangers vs. Angels prediction, preview

To the surprise of absolutely no one, Jacob deGrom remains one of the best pitchers on Earth. This season, he’s delivered a 3.02 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 61 strikeouts (10.8 K/9) over nine starts. Jake ranks within the top 92nd percentile in whiff % (33.1), K % (31.0) and BB % (4.1). Even at 37 years old, he’s managed to put upp an average fastball velocity of 97.1 MPH.

Granted, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The right-hander has allowed at least four earned runs in two of his last three outings. Still, those came against solid Astros and Yankees lineups. On paper, tonight’s matchup appears much more promising. The Halos are averaging 3.94 runs per game, sixth-fewest in all of baseball. To boot, Los Angeles has recorded an American League-worst .223 batting average.

Other than the fastball, deGrom’s favorite pitch is the slider. He’s thrown it 33% of the time this season. Against that offering, Angels hitters have posted a .212 batting average, .267 on-base percentage and .273 wOBA.

For the home team, it’ll be Grayson Rodriguez toeing the slab. Acquired from the Orioles this winter, the right-hander has missed nearly two months due to shoulder inflammation. During his season debut against the Dodgers last weekend, the 26-year-old coughed up seven earned runs in just 3.1 innings. Still, facing the defending champs is about the worst assignment anyone could have coming off the injured list. Rodriguez, when fully healthy, is a true difference-maker on the mound. For his career, the fireballer owns a 3.80 FIP and 9.8 K/9 ratio.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the most difficult matchup. Texas has struggled at the plate, averaging the fifth-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.92). However, that’s due more to struggles at home inside pitcher-friendly Globe Life Field. On the road, the Rangers are putting up the league’s ninth-most runs per game (4.61). To boot, they’ve recorded the 12th-best OPS against right-handed pitching (.715). Over three career appearances against Texas, Rodriguez has delivered a woeful 7.53 ERA. The Rangers have scored a total of 30 runs over their last five games, all of which came on the road.

Rangers vs. Angels pick, best bet

If Rodriguez was fully settled in, Friday’s game could turn into a terrific matchup. However, a rusty pitcher with already questionable command doesn’t inspire much confidence. That’s especially true when factoring in Texas’ success outside of the Lone Star State. With a superstar in deGrom facing a weak-hitting Angels lineup, it’s difficult to fade the Rangers tonight.

Best Bet: Rangers -1.5 (-101)