MLB Player Props & Bets: Wednesday (6/3)
Last week, I went 2-1 again on MLB player prop bets. However, it’s been too long since I swept the board. Let's fix that today. Here are my top three MLB player prop bets for Wednesday, June 3.
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Wednesday's Best MLB Player Props & Bets
Chase Burns Under 4.5 Hits Allowed (-155 at Fanatics)
For my first MLB player prop bet on Wednesday, I'm taking Reds starter Chase Burns to allow fewer than 4.5 hits against the Kansas City Royals. This choice is rooted in both Burns' recent performance and his matchup.
First, Burns is not allowing many hits, especially lately. Burns has gone under this mark in eight of 11 starts, including seven of his last eight. The Royals are not exactly a prolific offense. Since May 1, Kansas City is hitting .229 versus right-handed pitchers, including a .226 on the road. None of their hitters have faced Burns before, so the young fireballer should have the advantage in this matchup.
Cincinnati's caution with Burns' usage is also key to this prop cashing. Burns was scratched on Monday due to an illness. With an off day on Thursday, the Reds may rely more on their bullpen to keep Burns' workload light. Even without lingering illness, the Reds have limited him. Burns has thrown 90 pitches or fewer in six of 11 outings, including three of the last four.
I expect this prop to hit due to Burns' ability to limit hits and Cincinnati's likely efforts to keep him from pitching deep. Fanatics Sportsbook is the only book offering this now, so that's where I played it. Others may post better prices later Wednesday morning.
Ozzie Albies Over 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI (-130 at FanDuel)
Next, I'm betting Ozzie Albies will record two or more combined runs, hits, and RBI. He's shone historically against Patrick Corbin and the Blue Jays. While Albies will most likely only get two plate appearances versus Corbin, I believe that will be enough for us to cash this bet.
There should be no shortage of traffic on the basepaths against Corbin in this game. Corbin has allowed 71 runners to reach base in just 49.1 innings this year. Albies will likely be surrounded in Wednesday's lineup by Michael Harris II, Matt Olson, Mauricio Dubon, and Austin Riley. Those four players are 19-for-58 with 10 extra-base hits and eight walks off Corbin. Albies' numbers against him are even better.
Albies is 14-for-32 with seven extra-base hits against the veteran left-hander. Atlanta's second baseman is also a contact magnet versus southpaws. Albies has registered 107 plate appearances versus left-handed pitchers so far this season. He has put the ball in play 98 times. Albies has also had extreme success against Toronto's relief corps. He is 8-for-18 in his career with four extra-base hits and two walks against all Blue Jays relievers whom he has faced in his MLB career.
If you want, you can bet on Albies' total bases. However, I think Hits+Runs+RBI is the better value, even at a higher price, given Corbin's struggles.
Tyler Soderstrom Over 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI (-124 at Caesars)
For my final MLB prop, I pick Tyler Soderstrom of the Athletics to also register at least two combined hits, runs, and RBI.
Soderstrom has gotten it together at the plate after a dreadful start. He enters Wednesday on an eight-game hitting streak, reaching base 17 times with only one strikeout over that span. This surge could continue against the Cubs and starter Colin Rea.
Of 68 pitchers with at least 30 innings against left-handed batters this season, Rea ranks in the bottom 10 in both batting average allowed (.307) and on-base percentage (.376). He has allowed at least seven baserunners in eight straight starts and only pitched beyond 5.1 innings in two of those outings. This is another instance where traffic on the bases can easily lead to Soderstrom surpassing this number.
There is limited head-to-head history for Soderstrom against Rea or Chicago's relievers, but some statistics stand out. Soderstrom is 2-for-5 with two home runs and two walks against Cubs relievers. Though 0-for-1 against Rea, that lone out came on a 103.2-mph line drive. Given Soderstrom's current hot streak and Rea's poor performance against lefties, I am betting on the A's first baseman to have a solid game at the plate Wednesday.