Jose Berrios, Bryce Harper Lead Best MLB Parlay Picks Today

Blue Jays SP Jose Berrios Over 5.5 Strikeouts

Today, we’re placing our chips on the charismatic mound magician José Berríos to whiff his way past the Pittsburgh Pirates and go Over 5.5 strikeouts on Friday with MLB odds at +106.

The Pirates are striking out more often than a novice bowler, ranking fourth in the majors with a staggering 9.6 strikeouts per game. Imagine a lineup that’s more susceptible to strikeouts than your grandma trying to hit cleanup. It’s a dream matchup for any frontline starter, and Berríos is poised to exploit this weakness to the fullest.

When it comes to facing Pittsburgh, Berríos turns into a strikeout maestro. The Pirates’ roster has collectively faced Berríos in 54 at-bats and walked back to the dugout 18 times with the shameful K. That’s a strikeout every three at-bats, or in simpler terms, a strikeout per inning. This guy could strike out the side while half-asleep.

José Berríos, Wicked 83mph Slurve. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/CUsgtqkmPq

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 20, 2024

I know Berríos’s K-rate has taken a dip this season, sitting at a modest 20%. But don’t let that fool you. His Chase Rate is still in the 69th percentile, meaning hitters are swinging at pitches like they’re swatting at flies. His 94 mph sinker remains beautiful, cutting through lineups like a hot knife through butter. And if you think the Pirates will fare any better, let me remind you that they have four everyday players with K-rates above 24%. It’s like throwing chum to sharks, folks.

Let’s sprinkle in a bit more pixie dust with some historical stats. Berríos boasts a career K-rate of 30.5% against this Pirates lineup. That’s right, he’s been mowing down these batters like a lawn-care service.

With these numbers, you’d think he’s facing a little league team. Despite his slightly lower strikeout numbers this season, Berríos has pitched at least six innings in nine of his 11 starts. He’s only hit six strikeouts in six of those starts, but against a team like Pittsburgh, he’s more than capable of getting there. So, with the odds at +115, it’s time to ride the Berríos train all the way to the bank.

Let’s sum it up: The Pirates are strikeout-prone, Berríos has their number, and at plus money, this bet is sweeter than a ballpark churro. Let’s cash this Over 5.5 strikeouts ticket and watch Berríos carve up those Pirates like it’s Thanksgiving dinner.

Phillies 1B Bryce Harper Over 1.5 Total Bases From Hits

We’re placing our bets on the one and only Bryce Harper to crush it against Miles Mikolas and the St. Louis Cardinals. With the way Harper’s been swinging the bat, this bet is as good as gold.

Over the past month, Harper has been the shining star in the Phillies’ lineup against right-handed pitchers. He’s posted an impressive .316 ISO and a wOBA of .422 against righties. Harper’s been launching baseballs into orbit with a 33.3% fly ball rate and a 31.1% line drive rate while keeping his ground balls at a mere 31.1%.

Essentially, he’s been hitting more high-flying dingers than a kid in a bounce house.

The top three most valuable players in the NL in May

Bryce Harper
Shohei Ohtani
Francisco Lindor pic.twitter.com/yYDhayUhvT

— jack (@Jolly_Olive) May 31, 2024

Harper’s hard contact percentage against righties over the last 30 days is a jaw-dropping 55.6%, leading the Phillies in barrel percentage.

And who’s on the mound for the Cardinals? None other than Miles Mikolas, a righty who’s been struggling against left-handed hitters. Mikolas has allowed a .205 ISO and a wOBA of .363 to his first 123 lefties this season. He’s also only struck out 17.1% of right-handed batters and has given up a 29% line drive rate with just a 37.6% ground ball rate. In other words, he’s about as effective as a screen door on a submarine.

This matchup is tailor-made for Harper to rack up some extra-base hits. He’s already an RBI machine, tallying 41 on the season, and his 13 homers evidence his consistent power hitting.

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