One slugger and two starting pitchers make up today's MLB prop bets.
The pregame narrative: Manny Machado has been on fire at the plate so I'm targeting him in my best bet. Elsewhere, back a Ronel Blanco strikeouts prop and fade Jack Flaherty in his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Check out the best MLB prop bets for August 3.
MLB prop bets
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Best bet: Machado over 0.5 runs (-115)
There aren't many hitters in the majors on more of a heater than Machado.
The Padres' third baseman is slashing .364 with eight hits, five RBI and three homers over his last five games.
But the other reason this line is a little juiced for a runs prop is the Colorado Rockies' starter, Tanner Gordon. The rookie hurler is 0-3 with an 8.80 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP.
Gordon's given up eight or more hits and four or more runs in each of his three first career starts.
The 32-year-old slugger has a great opportunity to keep his hot streak alive and I'm backing him to do so at home against the Rockies.
Key stat: Machado has scored six runs over the last five games.
Quick picks
Blanco over 6.5 strikeouts (-106): Blanco is coming off of a start against the Dodgers where he fanned nine batters in just four innings of work.
His challenge gets easier tonight as the Houston Astros play host to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Rays are one of the more swing-happy teams in the majors. They strike out the seventh-most per game (9.05).
That number has risen to 13.00 over the last three games. It appears selling solid hitters Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes at the deadline has unsurprisingly hindered the offence even further.
In a small but notable sample size, this Tampa Bay lineup has struck out three times in five at-bats against Blanco.
Flaherty under 17.5 outs (+112): Flaherty makes his debut with the Dodgers after starting the season strong with the Detroit Tigers.
He carries a 2.95 ERA and 0.96 WHIP into his debut but I have reason to believe he'll be less efficient than expected tonight.
In arguably his worst start of the season, Flaherty gave up six earned runs on nine hits in April to Oakland. He did pitch six innings but I fail to see that happening again later in the season if he has a similar performance.
Atletics' second baseman Zac Gelof recorded a triple and home run in three tries against Flaherty.
Lastly, the Dodgers' newest starter has gone under this mark in five of his last seven starts.
Picks made at 11:10 a.m. ET on 08/02/2024.
