Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros Picks and Predictions May 15th 2025

Astros Set to Challenge deGrom, Rangers in Lone Star Showdown

It’s more than just bragging rights when the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers collide Thursday night in Arlington. This four-game set kicks off the season series between the Lone Star State rivals, and both clubs enter in stride—and near-equals in the American League West standings.

The Astros have owned this rivalry in recent years, winning the Silver Boot Series every year since 2016. But the stakes feel higher this time, with both teams two games over .500 and trailing the division-leading Seattle Mariners by just one game.

Catch every hot streak, stat update, and betting edge on our MLB Odds Page.

Brown vs. deGrom: A Premier Pitching Duel

All eyes will be on the mound, where Hunter Brown (6-1, 1.48 ERA) takes on Jacob deGrom (3-1, 2.72 ERA) in a matchup loaded with intrigue.

Brown, one of the early-season revelations for Houston, has been dominant all year, boasting a 1.48 ERA and an evolving ability to manage pressure. He’s struck out 61 batters in 54.2 innings while learning to stay calm and finish innings—a key sign of his growing maturity.

“He knows what he means to this rotation,” Astros skipper Joe Espada said. “Every time he steps on the mound, he’s got that ace energy.”

Brown has a solid track record against Texas—3-2 with a 3.09 ERA across six career starts. He’ll need that poise Thursday night, because on the other side stands a resurgent deGrom.

The Rangers’ ace is finally looking like himself again. In his last three outings, deGrom has allowed just three total runs over 16 innings, and he fanned 10 batters in five innings during his latest win in Detroit.

“I’m locating my fastball again—that’s made everything else better,” deGrom said after Saturday’s win over the Tigers.

Surprisingly, this will be deGrom’s first career start against the Astros. For more stats, trends, and head-to-head comparisons, check the MLB Team Page.

Offense Trending Up for Both Teams

The Rangers enter Thursday’s game riding a five-game win streak, their longest of the year. They clobbered Colorado 8-3 on Wednesday with Wyatt Langford and Adolis Garcia each launching two-run bombs.

The Astros aren’t slumping either. They’ve won five of their last seven, including a gritty 4-3 victory over Kansas City where Jeremy Pena tallied four hits and drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth.

Looking for more game previews and betting tips? Visit our MLB Picks Page to see who the experts are backing tonight.

What’s at Stake in Game 1?

Aside from heating up a fierce in-state rivalry, this game sets the tone for a series that could reshape the AL West standings. Both teams are showing signs of heating up, both have their aces on the mound, and both know that early-season wins matter just as much come September.

The Astros will look to extend their long-running series dominance. The Rangers, behind a rejuvenated deGrom and a surging offense, hope to turn the tide.

For deeper betting strategy and matchup breakdowns, explore the full Expert MLB Betting Guide.

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FAQs

Who is starting for the Astros tonight?
Hunter Brown, with a 6-1 record and 1.48 ERA, gets the start for Houston.

Has Jacob deGrom ever faced the Astros before?
No, this will be his first career start against Houston.

What’s the current win streak for the Rangers?
They’ve won five straight, their longest stretch of the season.

How did Jeremy Pena perform in the last game?
He went 4-for-4 and drove in the game-winning run vs. the Royals.

What is the Silver Boot Series?
It’s the name for the season series between the Astros and Rangers, which Houston has won every year since 2016.

Where can I find tonight’s betting picks?
Check out our MLB Picks Page for predictions and betting insights.