Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB Picks, MLB Free Picks, MLB Predictions 4/23/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB Picks, MLB Free Picks, MLB Predictions 4/23/26

PITTSBURGH @ TEXAS (TEX -163, 8)

MLB ODDS, MLB PREDICTIONS, MLB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK MLB PREVIEWS

PIRATES @ RANGERS 4/23/26

The Pittsburgh Pirates (14-10) and Texas Rangers (12-12) conclude their three-game series tonight at Globe Life Field. After the Pirates secured an 8-4 victory yesterday, the series is tied at one game apiece. Tonight’s matchup features a fascinating contrast on the mound: a rising young arm in Bubba Chandler facing off against one of the most dominant, albeit injury-prone, veterans in the game, Jacob deGrom.

The Rangers are the definitive choice to win tonight's series finale. While the Pirates' offense has been potent, ranking 9th in the league in runs scored, they face a monumental challenge in deGrom. deGrom has been elite in 2026, posting a 2.29 ERA and a staggering 11.43 K/9. His ability to suppress early scoring and dominate through the middle innings gives Texas a significant statistical advantage.

Furthermore, the Rangers are playing at home, where they have historically performed better in high-stakes series finales. While Bubba Chandler has shown promise with a 3.15 ERA, his 2.5 BB/9 suggests he may find himself in trouble against a disciplined Rangers lineup that is opportunistic early in counts. The market reflects this confidence, with the Rangers favored at -163.

With two high-quality starters on the mound and Globe Life Field playing as a pitcher-friendly environment (0.95 runs factor), the Under is the most logical play for the total. deGrom’s elite first-inning suppression and Bubba Chandler’s sub-4.00 ERA suggest that runs will be at a premium. Additionally, the Pirates are missing key offensive pieces like Jared Triolo, which may lead to a more conservative offensive approach.

Oneil Cruz has been the engine of the Pirates' offense lately and shows no signs of slowing down, even against elite pitching. Cruz has recorded at least one hit in 80% of his last 5 games and 70% of his last 10 games. He is maintaining a 79.17% hit rate on Over 0.5 Hits across 24 games this season, averaging 1.17 hits per game. He has been perfect against Texas this year with at least one hit in each of the first two games of this series. Cruz is also a road warrior, hitting the over in 81.82% of his games as a visitor this season with a mean of 1.36 hits.

Josh Jung is the most reliable contact hitter in the Rangers' lineup right now and has a clear statistical edge tonight. Jung has recorded at least one hit in 80% of his last 5, 10, and 15 games. He is currently averaging 1.6 hits over his last 5 outings. In the first two games of the series, Jung has three hits, including a home run, against Pittsburgh. He’s averaging 1.17 hits per game at Globe Life Field.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are dealing with several key absences. Jared Triolo is on the 10-Day IL, and Jared Jones remains on the 60-Day IL. Additionally, Sean Sullivan and Dominic Fletcher are listed as day-to-day. These injuries have forced the Pirates to rely heavily on their younger core, which has performed well but faces its toughest test tonight.

The Texas Rangers are also shorthanded, with Wyatt Langford recently landing on the 10-Day IL with a flexor strain. Jordan Montgomery and Cody Bradford remain on the 60-Day IL. However, the return of deGrom to peak form has stabilized the rotation. Texas will look to deGrom to provide a deep outing to protect a bullpen that has been used frequently in this series.

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FREE PICK: UNDER 8

Jacob deGrom is an elite pitcher with a 2.29 ERA so far this season. After a mediocre season opener (6 H, 3 ER in 4.2 IP in a win over Baltimore) deGrom has been outstanding. He’s allowed 1 ER or less in each of his last three starts and all three of those games went Under the total. Bubba Chandler is a big, heat-throwing right-hander for Pittsburgh who is 1-1 with a 3.15 ERA this season. The only issue with Chandler is a 15.3% walk rate. If he can maintain his control, he should be able to handle the Rangers lineup which has never faced him before. Last night’s 8-4 Pirates win was the first game (out of 8) to go Over the total at Globe Life Field this season. Globe Life has a Ballpark Factor of 78, dead last in MLB. That means it is very pitcher-friendly and has been the case ever since it opened. Since the beginning of last season, the O/U record at Globe Life is 30-58-1. That’s 66% Under.

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