The MLB season is in full swing. Every Friday in this column, we will seek to attack pitcher matchups. We won't bore you with exclusively under only plays, but we won't shy away from them if they offer more value than usual. Total strikeouts, outs recorded, and as the season progresses, total hits; they're all in play. Let’s dig into our top MLB player props and picks for Friday’s slate of games.
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Friday's Top MLB Player Props
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Sandy Alcantara (SP – MIA): 5.5 Strikeouts (+103/-130)
Alcantara is one of the standout options for Friday's slate. He is more of a contact/ground ball pitcher, but still managed an impressive 6.8 K/9 rate last season. Tagged at just 5.5 for the opener to encourage over plays, Sandy managed five or fewer strikeouts in 60 percent of his starts last season. Many will fondly remember that he forced eight strikeouts in two of his last three outings, but conveniently forget that he sported an ERA and WHIP that would get most pitchers demoted. Fade Alcantara’s strikeout total for Friday's MLB action at DraftKings.
Pick: Under 5.5 Strikeouts (-130)
Kevin Gausman (SP – TOR): 18.5 outs recorded
Gausman saw his volume decline last season, averaging just 6.03 innings per start (6.1 needed to hit), resulting in a 54 percent hit rate for an under play at this number. As the world got to witness in real time during the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series run, manager John Schneider likes to tinker even when he doesn't need to, so expect Gausman to be pulled around the late fifth inning regardless of pitch count. The Athletics should help things along, as despite their elevated K rate, they are patient enough at the plate to chase Gausman off the mound before the sixth inning.
Pick: Under 18.5 outs recorded
Yusei Kikuchi (SP – LAA): 14.5 outs recorded (-137/+108)
Yusei Kikuchi returns to Houston and should be able to last at least five innings in a park he has proven to be comfortable in. Kikuchi took just 64 pitches to hit 4.2 innings in his last spring training start, so unless the Astros explode, Yusei should click tonight. Kikuchi recorded 15 or more outs in 90 percent of his starts last season. The total is where it is today due to the opponent being Houston and the fact that managers usually have quicker hooks in a pitcher’s first start of the season.
Pick: Over 14.5 outs recorded (-137)
