MLB Player Props & Bets: Sunday (5/18)
Read on for our top MLB player prop bets for Sunday, May 18th.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Sunday’s Best MLB Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Luis L. Ortiz Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-145)
Luis L. Ortiz has been rock-solid for the Guardians, putting up a 3.96 SIERA with a 26.1% strikeout rate and 12.8% swinging-strike rate in 43.1 innings.
We’ve seen the former Pirate show a high ceiling this year, including four games with eight or more strikeouts and a season-high of 10 punchouts.
This is a great matchup against the Reds, who have registered a 26.4% strikeout rate against right-handed pitchers in the last 14 days, which ranks 25th in MLB during that stretch. We just saw teammate Slade Cecconi rack up eight strikeouts in only five innings against Cincinnati.
Shane Baz Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-115)
Shane Baz has posted a 25.3% strikeout rate in 43 innings this year, highlighted by a high ceiling that includes two starts with 10+ punchouts.
While Baz has hit a rough patch recently, there’s nothing like facing the Marlins on the road to get you back on track. This is a team that has put up a 23% strikeout rate against righties in the last 14 days, which ranks 23rd in MLB during that span.
We just saw teammate Drew Rasmussen cruise through the Marlins for six shutout innings. There’s a good chance Baz could get to six frames in this one as well, so he should comfortably eclipse 5.5 strikeouts. We’ve seen Baz soar over this number at times this year, so let’s back him to do it once again.
Matthew Liberatore Under 2.5 Earned Runs (-130)
Matthew Liberatore has been a huge surprise this season, putting up a 3.39 SIERA in 46.1 innings. The Cardinals lefty has been on a roll lately, allowing two runs or fewer in six consecutive starts.
We’re getting a solid price at -130 odds considering Liberatore’s recent track record. Plus, it’s not like the Royals are a matchup to fear. This is a team that has put up a 67 wRC+ versus lefties this season, which ranks 27th in MLB.
Considering what we’ve seen from Liberatore lately, it’s hard not to feel confident with him against a Royals offense that has struggled against left-handed pitching. This line should probably be a bit more juiced than -130 odds, so take the value and ride with Liberatore here.
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday:
Frank Ammirante is a featured writer at BettingPros. Follow Frank on X @FAmmiranteTFJ.