MLB Predictions 2012: Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox

The Texas Rangers (50-30) own the best record in Major League Baseball heading into the final week of play before the Midsummer Classic, as they get set to open up a three-game American League series against the Chicago White Sox (42-37) at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago on Tuesday night.

Oddsmakers have established the Rangers as plus-115 road underdogs in the MLB betting odds (courtesy of SBR Forum), while the total sits at 9, but is facing upward pressure in the market.

Texas has tallied a 16-4 record in its last 20 games, but has often fallen flat in this situation, posting a 2-12 mark in their last 14 contests as a road underdog of plus-110 to plus-150.

Roy Oswalt (2-0, 4.26 ERA) has won his first two starts as a member of the Rangers, but both of those outings came at Rangers Ballpark, including a 13-9 victory over the Detroit Tigers last Wednesday. The right-hander surrendered five runs and 13 hits in six frames in that effort.

Oswalt made his only career start against the White Sox on June 25, 2006, as a member of the Houston Astros, failing to earn a decision despite giving up two runs (one earned) and five hits over seven innings.

Sports bettors will find that the Rangers are 44-14 in their last 58 series openers, while the "over" is 6-2 in their last eight games as a road underdog.

Chicago tallied a 4-2 record on its recent six-game road trip, but dropped the last two games to the New York Yankees in the Bronx. The White Sox are also a disappointing 6-10 at home with a money line of minus-100 to minus-125.

Chris Sale (9-2, 2.27 ERA) is set to make his 16th appearance (15th start) of the 2012 campaign, as he comes in on a personal six-game win streak. He should come into this outing with plenty of confidence after being named to the AL All-Star team on Sunday.

The White Sox left-hander has made four career relief appearances versus the Rangers, giving up one run and three hits over 3.1 innings of work.

Total players will be interested in knowing that the "under" has cashed in 12 of the last 15 meetings in this series, which fits well with the host going below the number in Sale's last five starts as a home favorite.

I'm going to back the Rangers in this affair, considering they are 10-4 in their last 14 road games against southpaw starters.

Pick: Texas Rangers +115

Follow Jeff Grant on Twitter