MLB division leaders will face off as the Los Angeles Dodgers (55-40) take on the Texas Rangers (58-39) in a captivating three-game weekend series at Globe Life Field on Friday night. Left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney, who previously pitched for the Dodgers, will start for the Texas Rangers, while Tony Gonsolin will take the mound for the Blue Crew.

MLB Betting Odds

The opening MLB betting odds for this game listed it as a pick 'em, with an over/under set at 9.5 runs. Early betting action has kept the odds steady at that level.

Dodgers-Rangers Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Dodgers recently took two out of three games in Baltimore, narrowly missing a sweep after losing the series finale 8-5. They enjoyed a day off on Thursday. The Dodgers have been in excellent form, winning nine out of their last 12 games and posting an impressive 4-0 record in their last four series. With a 55-40 overall record, they currently lead the NL West by two games over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Texas Rangers are coming off a thrilling three-game sweep at home against the Tampa Bay Rays, securing the series with a 5-1 victory in the finale. Like the Dodgers, they also enjoyed a day off on Thursday. The Rangers are on a six-game winning streak, displaying superb form. With a 58-39 overall record, they lead the AL West by four games over the Houston Astros.

This series marks the first meeting between these teams since 2021.

Friday's Pitching Match-Up

Andrew Heaney has recorded six quality starts out of 18 this season, showing inconsistent form recently. In his last three starts, he had a brilliant outing against the Houston Astros, holding them scoreless through five innings. Then, against the Washington Nationals, he struggled, giving up eight runs and three home runs in just three innings. However, he bounced back in his most recent start against the Cleveland Indians, holding them scoreless on six hits in 5 1/3 innings, contributing to a 2-0 victory for the Texas Rangers.

While the Rangers have posted a 10-8 record in games started by Heaney this season, he has only managed a 1-3 record in his last four starts.

This will be Heaney's first start against the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2020 when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels.

Tony Gonsolin has recorded just three quality starts out of 14 this year and is currently on a five-game winless streak. His most recent outing against the New York Mets was impressive, holding them to one run and two hits in five innings, resulting in a 5-1 victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, his performances in the four starts prior to that were subpar, as he gave up 19 runs and 24 hits in 21 innings.

The Dodgers have posted a 7-7 record in games started by Gonsolin this season, but he has only managed a 2-3 record in his last five starts.

This will be Gonsolin's first start against the Texas Rangers since 2020.

Splits With the Sticks

The Los Angeles Dodgers have recorded a .227 batting average against left-handed pitching this season, along with a .325 team on-base percentage and a .454 team slugging percentage. Impressively, the Dodgers have scored at least five runs in 11 of their last 12 games.

The Texas Rangers have produced a .269/.335/.459 slash line against right-handed pitching, showcasing the prowess of their lineup.

The Bullpens

The Rangers' bullpen has recorded a 4.42 ERA this season, along with a 1.21 WHIP and a 3.05 strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB).

The Dodgers' bullpen has posted a 4.21 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and a 2.84 K/BB ratio.

MLB Betting Trends

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been solid on the road this season, posting a 26-24 record. However, they have struggled against left-handed starting pitchers, going 11-14 in those matchups.

The Texas Rangers have excelled at home, boasting a 33-18 record. They have also fared well against right-handed starting pitchers, going 41-29 in those games.

Totals Report

The over has prevailed in 55 of the Dodgers' games this season, while the over has hit in 48 of the Rangers' games. Games played at Globe Life Field have seen the over hit in 27 of them.