Best MLB Prop Bets Today | MLB Player Props September 1

In the MLB prop markets on Friday, there are several interesting angles to look at. From a returning starting pitcher to a rather lopsided rivalry game, we have highlighted some of the best prop spots of the day. Continue reading for our top MLB prop picks for a loaded day on the diamond.

Tampa Bay Rays vs Cleveland Guardians

My Pick: Cal Quantrill under 4.5 strikeouts (-150 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

Our first MLB prop selection for Friday focuses on the matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians. In that contest, Cal Quantrill makes his return to the mound for the Guardians after an extended absence. But he could encounter some issues in this game, and we think that he will go under his total of 4.5 strikeouts as he makes his return against a ruthless Rays lineup.

Quantrill has missed nearly two months due to a shoulder injury, which contributed to a poor start to the season for him overall. Quantrill went 2-6 with a 6.45 ERA before he was sent off to the injured list in July. During his 67 innings of work for the season, he failed to reach the 40-strikeout mark, as striking batters out has just not been much of a strong suit for the Cleveland hurler.

Tampa as a team is not great at avoiding strikeouts, but they are right around the middle of the pack in MLB in terms of their strikeout numbers. Just continuing to do what they do at the plate should be enough to make contact against Quantrill. Combine that with the possibility that we do not see too many innings out of the Cleveland starter here, and this under seems relatively safe.

New York Yankees vs Houston Astros

My Pick: Justin Verlander to record the win (+175 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Next on our list of MLB props for Friday is the rivalry matchup between the New York Yankees and Houston Astros. New York has been in a tailspin during the second half of this season, making them deserved underdogs against Justin Verlander and the Astros. In the prop markets for this game, taking Verlander to record the win against the Yankees is an enticing proposition at plus money.

Verlander has had a solid season in 2023, going 10-6 with a 3.06 ERA as a member of the New York Mets and Houston Astros. He has won four of his five starts with the Astros since joining the team at the trade deadline. That includes his last two starts, where he has not allowed a run in 11 innings of work against the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers.

Meanwhile, the offense of the Yankees has been simply putrid of late, and for the 2023 season as a whole. New York ranks 23rd in the league in runs scored, putting them in between the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates in that department, who are two of the worst teams in baseball at this juncture. Look for the Yankees to continue to struggle at the plate, and for Verlander to benefit with the win.

San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres

My Pick: Padres to score first (+105 at PointsBet)

Our final MLB prop pick for Friday is for the San Diego Padres to score first when they play the San Francisco Giants. In this NL West rivalry matchup, the Giants have a slim 4-3 advantage on the year so far. But the Padres have a pitching advantage going into this contest that should help them to put a run on the board first, even if they are facing a Giants team that bats first and has a better record.

Michael Wacha is the starting pitcher for the Padres in this contest, as he enters this game with a 10-2 record and a 2.84 ERA. He has been exceptional throughout this season for the Padres, and would likely have received NL Cy Young consideration had he been on the mound more regularly. Either way, he should be able to hang some early zeroes on the board to help pave the way for the Padres to score first.

Meanwhile, the Giants are still listed as undecided on their starting pitcher for this contest. Whoever does start this game on the mound for San Francisco will have to pitch to a lineup that is still dangerous, without a ton of prep time for that assignment. At a plus price, the Padres are certainly worth backing in this spot.

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