Best MLB Player Props: Hoist the Sale, Fade Povich
- The MLB schedule returns in a big way to begin the weekend, offering many enticing betting choices for Friday night, promising an evening filled with excitement and potential wins.
- MLB player props are an exhilarating way to join the action. We’re focusing on three pitcher props tonight.
- Check out today’s MLB odds, pitchers, and best player prop bets.
As we gear up for another thrilling schedule of MLB games today, kicking off an action-packed weekend, I’m thrilled to share my consistently profitable picks. I’m determined to bring you more winners with a 145-118 record following a 1-1 split on Thursday night; I’m aiming for a huge Friday with our best MLB bets today.
After Thursday’s small schedule of games, we’re supplied with an outstanding Friday night schedule to kick off our weekend. With many options for MLB player props today, I’ve meticulously and comprehensively narrowed down the best bets for you, ensuring you’re well-informed and prepared for the games.
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3 Best MLB Player Props Friday 8/23
1. Orioles SP Cade Povich 6+ Hits Allowed
The Astros continued their terrific stretch of baseball, shutting out the Orioles in Camden Yards last night, winning their 12th game in the last 15. Houston has the best record in the league since May 8: 57-34! They have taken a commanding lead in the AL West from the Mariners and forced Seattle to fire its manager, Scott Servais.
A tale of two seasons for the Astros
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/DxGgUq7OjB
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 23, 2024
The Astros have the third-lowest K% and fourth-lowest BB % in the league. In other words, they put the ball in play. Yordan Alvarez is red-hot in August, and it’s unlikely, but he could take AL Player of the Month away from Aaron Judge. Rookie left-hander Cade Povich will oppose Houston in the second game of this four-game set in Baltimore.
Meet “Slim,” the alter ego of @Orioles top-ranked pitching prospect Cade Povich.
“Different mindset, different person” leads to a big league gem: https://t.co/WCxilBKkMp pic.twitter.com/fGBbEHRDc0
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 18, 2024
The Orioles recalled Povich from Triple-A Norfolk last week after its pitching staff suffered another injury. The rookie is the O’s top-ranked pitching prospect and has made nine starts this season. This will be his second since he rejoined the big league club. In his most recent outing, he allowed 6 hits in 6.1 innings of work against Boston over the weekend. He will face an Astros lineup tied with the fifth-highest batting average in the league against lefties (.259).
Povich is in the 15th percentile or lower in Chase %, Whiff %, K %, BB %, and Barrel %. At this point, Povich is a back–end-of-the-rotation type of arm. He’s received comparisons to Max Fried of the Braves, but I’m not convinced he matches his performance level on the field. Over the last two weeks, Houston has the third-highest batting average at .271. Jose Altuve is hitting .341, Jeremy Pena .297, and Yordan Alvarez is batting .366 against left-handed pitchers! Houston has posted at least 6 hits against 6 of the last 8 opposing starting pitchers faced.
I also like Povich to finish with under 3½ strikeouts in this one. Trust Houston to stay hot.
Bet This Prop: Cade Povich 6+ Hits Allowed (-115)
2. Yankees SP Carlos Rodon 8+ Strikeouts
This next MLB pick tonight has been coming for a long time. It’s been a roller coaster Yankee career for Carlos Rodon, and he has finally experienced more highs than lows in 2024. I’m ready to trust him. The Yankees kick off a three-game set in the Bronx and will host the Colorado Rockies. New York is coming off an impressive series win over the Guardians, with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge putting on a show during the homestand.
The Bombers will send 31-year-old southpaw Rodon to the mound tonight. Rodon has made 25 starts and has posted respectable numbers. He’s coming off a poor outing against the Tigers, but I expect him to bounce back in tonight’s matchup.
Carlos Rodón, Perfectly Painted 99mph Fastball. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/iBb4DLJGfg
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 10, 2024
He isn’t missing many barrels, ranking in the 14th percentile in Barrel %, but he gets a great matchup with the Rockies, who have struggled against lefties. Colorado has the highest K% in MLB since the break and is 28th in wRC+ against lefties this season. The Rockies have the second-highest K% against lefties, behind only Boston. Rodon finished with 7 strikeouts in his two outings with the Sox this season.
Rodon is in the 72nd percentile in K % and 79th in Whiff %. He leans heavily on his four-seam fastball, throwing it 50% of the time. The Rockies could have seven bats in the lineup with a K% above 28% against four-seamers. Rodon has reached 8 Ks in four of his last nine starts. I’m confidently firing up the Yankees lefty at BetUS Sportsbook Online Friday night.
Bet This Prop: Carlos Rodon 8+ Strikeouts (-170)
3. Braves SP Chris Sale 8+ Strikeouts
Randy Johnson vs. Chris Sale, 99mph Fastball Mechanics (at 35 years old). pic.twitter.com/NxYKglQe3N
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 20, 2024
I expect many bettors to be on the Sale train tonight, which makes me weary, but he’s been terrific. I’m hoisting the Sale in his start against the Washington Nationals, and we’re getting a playable price. Chris Sale has been a revelation for the Atlanta Braves in 2024.
He has finished with at least 8 strikeouts in 14 of his 23 outings (60% of starts) and 14 of his last 18. Sale has a 2.62 ERA and is in the 97th percentile in xERA. He has a 1.00 WHIP and is in the 97th percentile in K % and 89th in Whiff %! According to our odds to win the NL Cy Young Award, the accolade is Sale’s to lose at this point. He’s well on his way to securing hardware in one of the greatest comeback seasons in recent memory.
Chris Sale leads the NL in wins, strikeouts, and ERA. Will he win his first Cy Young Award?
(MLB x @MattressFirm) pic.twitter.com/bmLm8yyTuL
— MLB (@MLB) August 19, 2024
He doesn’t have much experience pitching against the Nats, but he fanned ten Nats in his lone start against them on June 27. Washington has been swinging well in the second half of the season, but its lineup has struggled against southpaws. The Nationals are 26th in wRC+ and have the fifth-lowest OBP against lefties. The 35-year-old is finally healthy again and could be the difference maker to get the Braves into the playoffs. I expect Sale to shove again tonight.
Bet This Prop: Chris Sale 8+ Strikeouts (-143)
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
Questions Of The Day
What is the best MLB player prop pick tonight?
I like Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon to go over the 7½ strikeouts betting line against the Rockies.
Which MLB player is projected to record the most strikeouts tonight?
Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale is projected to record the most strikeouts on Friday night when he starts against the Washington Nationals.
