MLB Sleeper Picks Player Predictions: Thursday (10/12)
Yesterday’s reverse sweep result moves the Sleeper playoff record to 6-6. I’m feeling great about tonight’s card, despite just one game being played, so let’s bust out the brooms in the opposite direction.
Here are the best Sleeper plays to consider for today, Thursday, Oct. 12.
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Thursday’s Best MLB Sleeper Picks Player Predictions
PrizPicks this season: 81-65-9 Sleeper playoffs: 6-6
Kevin Pillar Under 0.5 Hits
There’s a clear and obvious pinch-hit platoon pattern going on through games 1-3 this NLDS for the Braves. In Game 1, when the left-handed Ranger Suarez started, Pillar drew the start in the 9-hole. Pillar only saw one plate appearance against Suarez, struck out, and was pinch-hit for by Eddie Rosario in the 5th innings when the Phillies had a righty on the mound. It’s reasonable to expect a similar type of events unfolding in tonight’s game as well.
Despite his 3.2 scoreless innings, Suarez was pulled after just 3.2 innings in Game 1. He only allowed two baserunners, but Rob Thompson elected to go to the bullpen after Suarez saw Olson and Albies a 2nd time through the order. After getting 5.2 innings out of Nola last night, the Phillies bullpen isn’t overworked and will be ready to go early once again tonight. With the likelihood that Pillar sees just one plate appearance, this is a no-brainer to me.
Kyle Schwarber Over 1.5 Strikeouts
It’s pretty wild to be suggesting two strikeouts for one batter, but in this matchup it makes sense. Schwarber has 11 strikeouts in 26 plate appearances against Spencer Strider. That equates to 42.3% K% and 51% Whiff%. The Phillies DH was in the 12th percentile in K% and 16th in Whiff% this season.
He struck out twice in Game 1 when Strider pitched, and even if the Braves ace only gets one strike out against him, there’s a decent chance Schwarber will K later on. Atlanta will likely bring in Brad Hand to face him as they did in Game 1. In four plate appearances against Hand this season, Schwarber has struck out every time.
Ronald Acuna Over 0.5 Runs Scored
Hitting atop arguably the most explosive offense this season, Ronald Acuna led all Major Leaguers with 149 runs scored, 18 more runs than the runner-up Freddie Freeman. He scored a run in 105/159 games (66%) this year and has scored in two of the three games this NLDS. Oh yeah, and he led the Majors with 73 stolen bases this year and has already swiped two bags in this series. If he gets on base, there’s a strong likelihood he will be looking to get into scoring position.
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Tyler Gentile is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Tyler, follow him @808Paperboi