Over the weekend, I wrote about a traditional slow starter in Aaron Judge who is red-hot. Now we have a hot starter in Yordan Alvarez who is coming out cold.
The Astros slugger is one of the best pure hitters in the game and typically mashes at his home ballpark. But in the opening three-game series against the Mets, Alvarez was 1-for-8 with a double to his name. Not the start you expect for one of the premier DHs in the game.
Alvarez will have to contend with a hard thrower on the mound for San Francisco in Jordan Hicks. Can the bounce-back begin today, or will he have to wait longer to dig out of this hole?
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Houston is the home favorite at -125, and the run total is set at 7.5. Below, I’ve highlighted my favorite prop bet for this contest.
Best Yordan Alvarez Prop Bet on DraftKings Sportsbook
Over 1.5 Total Bases (+100)
Yes, as I mentioned, Yordan only recorded two total bases in his first three games. So why am I predicting him to double his total at minimum in one game?
A lot of it comes down to Yordan’s pure talent. Guys like him aren’t held down for long. On top of that, he has the comfort of an extended homestand. I’d bet that he will be finding his rhythm sooner than later. Maybe he can get one of the Yankees’ fungo bats shipped to him.
I do like Jordan Hicks on the mound for San Francisco. He’s a hard thrower who adjusted well to his first full season as a starter. His problem is that he’s not a guy who gets deep into ballgames. Across 20 starts this past season for San Francisco, Hicks made it into the 6th inning only four times. His blazing sinker and offspeed pitches may give Alvarez trouble early on, but I don’t trust San Francisco’s bullpen at the moment, especially if they’re losing.
Yordan is due for a couple of hits, but all he needs is a ball in the gap. Expect the perennial Astros’ MVP candidate to look dangerous in tonight’s tilt.
