Mariners vs Rangers Prediction Today | MLB Odds, Picks for Friday, September 22

While there may be just a little over a week left in the regular season, the playoffs have already started for these two clubs as the race for the AL West pennant is down to a three-team heat. The Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers enter tonight's matchup tied just a half-game behind the Houston Astros in the division.

However, there are even more implications than the divisional crown, as these clubs are also tied for the third wild card spot in the American League. These two teams will play each seven times over the last 10 games of the season, so pressure is on, and the winner of this first matchup can set the tone for the remainder of the season.

So, with the stage set and the lights shining bright in Arlington, let's dive into this matchup to uncover the best way to bet it.

The Mariners' surge in the second half should come as no surprise. They have been a staple amongst the league's best in xwOBAcon. They have remained there by ranking in the top five in barrel and hard-hit rates.

The best example of the club's positive regression is their superstar center fielder, Julio Rodriguez. J-Rod has been red hot as he's hit .336 with 18 homers and 51 RBI in the second half.

This Seattle lineup will have to contend with Dane Dunning, who has done a stellar job replacing Jacob deGrom in the Rangers rotation. The 28-year-old sinkerballer has pitched to a 3.78 ERA over 23 starts, which includes a quality start against the Mariners back in May.

However, this Seattle lineup is a much-improved version of the one Dunning saw in May, so don't be surprised if the Mariners get the better of him this time around.

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If we are talking about potent lineups, then the Texas Rangers are squarely in the conversation. Texas' bats have carried them through a string of starting rotation injuries and bullpen falters to this point.

Much like the Mariners, they've gotten results by making constant hard contact. The Rangers are in the top three in hard-hit rate and average exit velocity. They put that on full display when they last faced Seattle's starting pitcher, Bryce Miller.

Miller was shelled, allowing seven runs on eight hits, and failed to make it out of the third inning. However, he may be due for much more success this time around.

Miller is a flyball pitcher who will work up in the zone with his mid-90s fastball. While this would typically get him in trouble against a hard-hitting lineup like Texas, this game being in Arlington will help him a great deal.

Globe Life Field is a pitcher's park and has had the roof closed nearly 77% of the time this season, which only deadens the ball more once it's in the air. Expect Miller to let the park work to his advantage, as he should last much longer in this second meeting.

I ended the last section mentioning Miller's length in this outing because it represents the biggest edge available for this matchup. Bryce Miller has been able to give the Mariners consistent length this season while working around hard contact.

He has recorded an out in the sixth inning in 14 of his 23 starts this season. That gives us implied odds of -155, which is a massive edge over the current price.

So back Miller to go deep into this matchup as his outs prop presents value we can't pass up.

Pick: Bryce Miller Over 15.5 Pitching Outs (+120)