MLB Player Props & Bets: Rays vs. Guardians (Sunday)
The 2026 American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians continues with Game 5 at Progressive Field on Sunday. The Rays earned a 7-3 victory in Game 4 to even the series 2-2 and ensure a trip back to Tropicana Field. There are a ton of ways for sports bettors to get in on the playoff action. Here’s a look at three MLB player props that stick out on Sunday, October 18th.
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Sunday's Best MLB Player Props & Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Drew Rasmussen Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-158)
Some pitchers rise to the challenge in the playoffs, and some fall short. Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen is a riser. The veteran right-hander tossed eight shutout innings in his American League Division Series (ALDS) start against the Yankees.
That was followed by six innings of two-run ball in Game 1 of the ALCS versus the Guardians. Dating back to the regular season, Rasmussen has recorded at least 18 outs in seven of his previous eight outings.
Short leashes are common in the postseason, but it is clear Rays manager Kevin Cash is comfortable leaning on Rasmussen. Friday’s postponement means there could be four contests in four days to end this series. Expect Rasmussen to do everything he can to give Tampa Bay’s bullpen some rest.
It’s worth noting the Guardians’ roster is slashing .196/.229/.283 with just four extra-base hits in 92 at-bats facing Rasmussen. Trust him to provide length.
Chase DeLauter Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs (+111)
There has been one thorn in Drew Rasmussen’s side. Cleveland outfielder Chase DeLauter is 4-for-7 with one home run and three RBIs against the Tampa Bay hurler.
The 25-year-old’s solo blast off Rasmussen boosted the Guardians’ momentum in a Game 1 victory. The 381-foot blast to left-center field came off a 94 miles-per-hour (MPH) four-seam fastball in the zone. DeLauter registered a .524 slugging rate versus fastballs in the regular season.
The reasons to back DeLauter go beyond Rasmussen, though. Keep in mind that he has been one of Cleveland’s most consistent playoff bats, slashing .294/.385/.441 with three extra-base hits and five RBIs in nine contests.
Overall, DeLauter has tallied at least two combined hits + runs + RBIs in six of those nine games. The fact that DeLauter bats behind on-base machine Jose Ramirez means this wager could cash with one swing. Lock it in with confidence.
Parker Messick Over 1.5 Walks Allowed (-118)
Parker Messick has logged at least two walks in each of his three starts this postseason, after doing so in 16 of his 32 regular-season starts. It’s important to note that the young right-hander had no playoff experience before 2026. Sunday offers Messick a chance to turn things around, though it comes against a team he will face for the fourth time this campaign. Tampa Bay’s hitters know his pitch arsenal well.
This is a Rays lineup that has excelled at working long counts and staying disciplined at the plate all year long. Tampa Bay finished the regular season with the lowest whiff rate (20.7%) and highest chase contact rate (67%) in the league. Stars like Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz know how to foul off pitches until they see one they like. Bank on Messick’s recent control issues to bite him in another multi-walk performance.