A modest five-game slate is on tap for today across Major League Baseball. Still, ten probable pitchers are set to take the mound, giving bettors several enticing options. After taking a closer look at all the matchups, I’ve identified two starting pitcher props worth a closer look. Let’s break down each pick before the action gets started on Thursday.
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Best Starting Pitcher Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Reese Olson O 15.5 outs recorded (-120)
Despite some offensive struggles in recent weeks, the Tigers remain one of the American League’s most intimidating squads. That’s due in large part to their dominance on the mound. Led by Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Detroit’s pitching is holding opponents to just 4.07 runs per game. Reese Olson isn’t a household name, but the right-hander has the stuff to emerge as a no. 2 starter in this rotation. Since returning on July 4th from a finger injury, the 25-year-old has notched a 1.88 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. Granted, it’s only three starts, but it’s an encouraging sign.
Tonight’s matchup will be a massive test for Olson. The Blue Jays are a first-place club, thanks largely to a contact-oriented approach on offense. Canada’s team ranks second in baseball with 8.79 hits per game. In addition, Toronto has the league’s lowest strikeout rate. However, that might play into Olson’s advantage. The youngster has gone five innings in each of his previous two starts, capped at a max of 90 pitches.
In this pivotal showdown, there’s a good chance manager AJ Hinch lets Olson go a little longer. Against an aggressive lineup that swings early, the right-hander could easily induce some quick outs. It helps that the Jays are only scoring 3.85 runs per game on the road, 25th in the league. Trust Detroit’s underrated arm to reach the sixth inning on Thursday.
Yusei Kikuchi 7+ strikeouts (+110)
Despite their sub-.500 record, this season has had plenty of positives for the Angels. That includes on the mound, where offseason acquisition Yusei Kikuchi has impressed all year for the Halos. Through 118.0 innings of work, the Japanese hurler has delivered a 3.13 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 123 strikeouts. Unsurprisingly, those numbers were good enough to earn the 34-year-old his second career All-Star Game selection. The biggest key to the veteran’s success has been avoiding disaster. Kikuchi hasn’t allowed more than four earned runs in any of his 21 starts so far. As a result, Los Angeles has allowed its ace to consistently pitch deep into games.
A workhorse sporting a 9.4 K/9 ratio is usually someone to consider for a strikeout prop. That’s especially true going into a showdown with the Mariners. Kikuchi has a history of dominance when pitching against his former team. The left-hander has surrendered just one run over four outings against Seattle (0.39). In three of those starts, he’s punched out at least eight batters. Don’t expect anything different during tonight’s AL West showdown.
