We’ve got two Walkers on the mound on Monday. Going to need one of them to do what Max Scherzer couldn’t on Friday. Also, DraftKings Sportsbook has a couple bets from an AL Central game that I’m very high on.
If you want to sweat out these picks with me, follow me on Twitter: @Nick_Friar.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Walker Buehler over 7.5 strikeouts +110
Max Scherzer came so close to hitting this over vs. the Diamondbacks on Friday, striking out seven in only five innings. But between his pitch count and the game being a blowout, the Nationals didn’t need any more from their ace.
What does that mean for Buehler’s chances to hit the over on his DraftKings Sportsbook strikeout prop? Well, for one, it certainly makes it a lot easier to ignore the fact Arizona isn’t a team known for striking out a ton against right-handed pitching. Then there’s the fact they also don’t swing and miss much overall. But again, Scherzer proved the Diamondbacks can still strikeout plenty against good right-handed pitching.
Speaking of which, let’s look at Buehler. He’s operating with a career-best 12.7% swinging strike rate. When hitters swing at pitches Buehler throws out of the zone, they’re missing the most frequently they have since the righty broke into the league in 2017.
Also, Buehler has hit Monday’s over in his last four starts after striking out four apiece in each of his first three. He’s still given up quite a few runs recently, but the strikeouts have been there.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22521052/SB_NBA_Playoffs_Organic_Social_Assets_1080x1080_Hammer_The_Over.png)
Head on over to the DraftKings Sportsbook to place a bet on Saturday’s Mavericks-Clippers promo. For every 1,500 bets the total drops by a point, so tell all your friends!
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $300K SUPER Knuckleball [$100K to 1st]
Cincinnati Reds vs. San Francisco Giants
Reds over 4.5 runs +115
The Reds are still one of the better teams against right-handed pitching in all of baseball. Logan Webb may have dealt against an improved Rangers squad last time out, but that was after he’d just been hit around by an underwhelming Rockies offense (albeit at Coors, but still).
The San Francisco bullpen also has the fourth-worst FIP in all of baseball, as much as their WHIP is middle of the pack.
Refer a friend and get a free DraftKings Sportsbook bet up to $100! Head to the DraftKings Playbook Promo page for more details!
Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins
Dallas Keuchel over 5.5 hits allowed +110
First five innings over 5 total runs -120
EDITOR’S NOTE: Jose Abreu is not in the lineup for Monday’s game vs. the Twins.
Keuchel and J.A. Happ squared off on May 12 and it was not pretty. They two starters combined for 17 hits allowed, with the White Sox getting nine off of Happ.
While the over on Happ’s hits allowed prop on DraftKings Sportsbook (5.5 -120) for the Monday rematch is very much in play, Keuchel is the better option.
Now, the White Sox have mashed left-handed pitching this season. But, that game was the first time Happ has given up over five hits all season — granted, his first two outings were shorter than five innings. Keuchel, on the other hand, has hit Monday’s over four times in eight starts, including when he gave up eight vs. the Twins on May 12.
While Chicago demolishes lefties, Minnesota has also had success against them. The Twins sit just outside the top 10 in OPS, wOBA and ISO vs. left-handed pitchers.
In the course of making the case for Keuchel’s hits allowed prop over Happ’s, it becomes clear pretty quickly both lefties are in for a day, making the over on this game’s first five innings runs total another great play on Monday.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $300K SUPER Knuckleball [$100K to 1st]
Place your MLB bets at DraftKings Sportsbook and bet online by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF(IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.