The Philadelphia Phillies begin a new series against the Arizona Diamondbacks tonight.
The pregame narrative: The Diamondbacks have owned lefties all season and face an inexperienced Kolby Allard on Thursday. For that reason, two different Arizona hitters make up my prop picks for Thursday's game.
Check out my Phillies vs. Diamondbacks props for Aug. 8.
Phillies vs. Diamondbacks props
Go to full Phillies/Diamondbacks betting markets.
Best Bet: Carroll over 0.5 runs (-121):
Corbin Carroll is having a down season after winning the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year. He's currently slashing .215/.307/.367 but has turned it around lately.
In his last 10 games, the Dbacks' outfielder has a .357 OBP which has been a crucial part of Arizona's 8-2 record over that span.
Carroll hits leadoff for Arizona so when he's getting on base, it gives the league's best scoring offence (5.2 runs per game) ample opportunity to drive him home.
The entirety of the Diamondbacks' lineup hits left-handed pitching extremely well. The offence hits .279 against LHP with an OPS of .777, per ESPN.
Philadephia's starter, Allard, has only thrown eight innings this year and the lefty carries a pedestrian 4.50 ERA and 1.25 WHIP into his second start of the season. His career numbers are even worse (6.50 ERA, 1.43 WHIP).
Overall, the former NL Rookie of the Year has been able to rack up the runs lately due to his success reaching base from the leadoff spot and I expect that to continue tonight vs. Allard.
Key stat: Carrol's scored 11 runs in his last 10 games.
Quick pick
Marte over 0.5 runs (-127): Hitting right behind Carroll in the lineup is Ketel Marte.
The second baseman is having his best season at the plate since 2019.
In 110 games, Marte is slashing .298/.368/.559 with 29 HRs and 80 RBI. Over the last ten games, he's scored nine runs and has reached base at least once in all but one of those outings.
That kind of production provides the rest of the lineup with frequent opportunities to drive him in.
Although a switch hitter, Marte leads the way with his eye-popping efficiency against LHP. On the season, he's hitting .360/.415/.714 off of lefties.
I'm expecting a lot of offensive success tonight for the Diamondbacks against a below-average opposing starter. Therefore, I'm backing the first two hitters in the lineup to cross home plate amidst their respective hot streaks.
Picks made at 10:10 a.m. ET 08/08/2024.
