The Rangers didn’t string together any big rallies until the eighth inning but continually put runs on the scoreboard in the first, second, fourth and fifth innings. The wheels fell off in the eighth by way of an erratic Rafael Montero.

SportsLine's proven model has simulated Atlanta vs. Texas 10,000 times and released its MLB best bets for Joey Wentz vs. Nathan Eovaldi on Friday

It’s Friday, July 25 and the Braves (44-57) are in Arlington to take on the Rangers (53-50). Joey Wentz is slated to take the mound for Atlanta against Nathan Eovaldi for Texas.

Outfielder Sam Haggerty has been activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Friday’s game against Atlanta, the Rangers announced. In a corresponding move, the Rangers are optioning Cody Freeman to Triple-A Round Rock.

Friday started with good news for the Braves with Austin Riley being activated off the injured list. There weren’t many highlights after that, though, as the Braves’ second-half struggles continued with an 8-3 loss to the Rangers to open a nine-game road trip.

The 44-57 Atlanta Braves will spend the weekend in Arlington for a three-game set with the Texas Rangers. The series gets underway tonight at 8:05 ET. Though no starters have been confirmed, Joey Wentz, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder are probable.

The Rangers have the second-worst record against left-handed pitching and are dead last in OBP, slugging and OPS against lefties.