We’re undefeated on MLB player prop articles! Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner helped us cash a +200 play on Sunday Night to move us to 3-0. We turn our attention to World Series champion Framber Valdez and his 70% groundball rate last season. Let’s dive into a Framber Valdez prop and other MLB player props bets on this 14-game slate!
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Best MLB Player Prop Bets | Framber Valdez O/U 5.5 Hits Allowed
The Houston Astros are one of 10 teams to already play 5 games meaning they’ll have their ace on the mound Framber Valdez. Valdez was more than efficient on Opening Day against the Chicago White Sox. He allowed zero runs through five innings but the White Sox’s managed to register six hits. Valdez’s specialty last year was getting teams to ground out. His 70% groundball rate led the league and with his opponent tonight, the Detroit Tigers, already top 11 in the league in groundball % against left-handed pitchers, it seems his infield will be busy once again.
The Tigers seem to always be a fade target for opposing pitchers. They hit for a bottom-six batting average and struck out at the 4th-highest rate last season. Valdez may not blow hitters away with his stuff but he’ll be more than effective against a Tigers team hitting .130 in 57 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers to start the season.
Valdez was money for MLB player prop bettors who backed his hits allowed and outs as he consistently pitched into the 7th inning. He’ll look to register his first win of the season as the Astros are -290 on the moneyline via FanDuel.
Best MLB Player Prop: Framber Valdez UNDER 5.5 Hits Allowed -105 (DraftKings)
Best MLB Player Prop Bets | Luis Castillo O/U 7.5 Strikeouts
Luis Castillo has been just what the Seattle Mariners needed. They made a run last season in the playoffs with Castillo leading the helm and is a big reason why the Mariners are getting early World Series consideration. Castillo was at his best on Opening Day against an extremely solid Cleveland Guardians offense. He allowed one hit through six innings but threw only 76 pitches. For a guy that threw 100+ pitches in 15 games last season, this could be a slight concern. The Mariners may just be easing him in as well.
His opponent tonight will be the star-studded Los Angeles Angels. After only giving Shohei Ohtani 1 run of support on Opening Day, the Angels have won three in a row and the bats are red hot. They registered nine hits off Mariners’ young stud George Kirby and struck out five times last night in a 7-3 win. Castillo had battles against this Angels team when he was acquired at the trade deadline from the Cincinnati Reds. Three-time AL MVP Mike Trout is 2/2 from him with a home run. When strikeout candidate Hunter Renfroe enters the box, we’ll have our fingers crossed as the former Milwaukee Brewer has struck out seven times in 15 career at-bats against Castillo.
Stokasic’s MLB Bet Pro gives this a 60% win expectancy with a +8% EV. This lineup will make Castillo work and drive up his pitch count in his second appearance of the season.
MLB Player Prop: Luis Castillo UNDER 7.5 Strikeouts -125 (DraftKings)
