Best MLB Prop Bets This Weekend | MLB Player Props August 26-27

Los Angeles Dodgers vs Boston Red Sox

My Pick: Julio Urias To Record the Win (+139 at Caesars Sportsbook)

Julio Urias (11-6, 4.15 ERA) has had a rocky 2023 campaign, but things have finally started to click in August. The 27-year-old is 4-0 with a 1.44 ERA across four starts this month (25 innings), allowing just four earned runs and 16 hits. It's a big reason why the Dodgers have been winning so many games lately, going 19-3 since August 1. While he is facing a Boston team with the sixth most runs this season, this version of Urias will be able to cool them down.

Speaking of Boston’s offense, they have kept the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card race this season. The team is currently 3.5 games out of one of those coveted spots, but they have been unable to string together enough wins to make a run. Boston has actually lost three of their previous five games, including against the Dodgers last night. With a red-hot Urias on the mound, the Red Sox will be dropping a game further behind in the playoff race today.

While Urias is the big reason we like this bet, we also love that James Paxton (7-4, 3.79 ERA) will be on the mound for Boston. The veteran has been bad over the last two months, posting a 5.16 ERA since July 1. Paxton has also been awful during day games, with a 5.00 ERA across four starts. The Dodgers offense is arguably the best in the league, meaning they will be more than capable of capitalizing on Paxton’s struggles tonight. 

Houston Astros vs Detroit Tigers

My Pick: Eduardo Rodriguez Over 5.5 Strikeouts (+116 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

At 30-years-old, Tigers’ starter Eduardo Rodriguez (9-6, 3.03 ERA) is quietly having one of the best seasons of his career. His ERA is the lowest mark of his career, and his strikeout totals have been going up. Rodriguez has struck out more than five batters in five of his last eight starts, showing how well his stuff has been working this season. The veteran’s 2.79 ERA shows how dangerous he has been at home, and we think that number will decrease this evening. 

Houston’s offense kicked into high gear this month with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez back in the lineup. However, they have scored just two runs over their previous two games. Strikeouts have also been a problem of late, with the Astros striking out nine times against opposing starts in two of their last four games. Considering Rodriguez’s improved strikeout ability, he should have no problem surpassing five strikeouts as Hoston attempts to turn things around. 

San Diego Padres vs Milwaukee Brewers

My Pick: Willy Adames to Hit a Home Run (+500 at PointsBet Sportsbook)

We are riding a hot bat for our longshot bet of the week. While Adames’ (.216 BA, 24 HR, 61 RBI) season stats are ugly, he has returned to his All-Star form over the last month. That has included a recent power surge where the shortstop has hit three home runs over their previous four games. Adames has always been a streaky hitter, so now is the time to bet on his offensive production. 

On top of his recent hot streak, Adames will also have the advantage of playing at home. He has 14 of his 21 home runs at home in the friendly confines of American Family Field. The 27-year-old is a better power hitter than he has shown this season, and we think this recent surge could continue for a while. 

The Padres will have Pedro Avila (0-0, 1.17 ERA) on the mound tonight. The 26-year-old has been lights out but is serving as a spot starter/long relief pitcher. He has not lasted more than five innings in any of his appearances, which will work in Adames’ favor. We see Avila falling victim to a streaking Adames tonight, but it's nice knowing the pitcher won’t last deep into the game if he doesn’t.