Best MLB Prop Bets This Weekend | MLB Player Props April 8-9

Chicago White Sox vs Pittsburgh Pirates

My Pick: Mike Clevinger over 5.5 strikeouts (+100 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Mike Clevinger was fantastic in his first start with the White Sox. The starter threw five scoreless innings to go along with eight strikeouts against the Astros. It was a promising sign after a forgettable 2022 season for Clevinger. The one concern was with the three walks he issued, but he had no problem getting the Astros to swing and miss.

He will be facing off against a Pittsburgh Pirates teams that has been playing better than expected. After dropping their opening series to the Reds, the Pirates swept a Boston team that has been struggling out of the gate. They jumped on the White Sox and Lucas Giolito to put up 11 runs in the first five innings. Even though Giolito was clearly off, he did still manage three strikeouts in four innings. The Pirates ended with a total of eight strikeouts last night.

The Pirates will come back down to Earth today as they face a White Sox starter who is feeling it early. Expect to see the Pirates' offense struggle to make contact against Clevinger. I’m not sure how long he will go into the game, but he’ll only need four or five innings to reach six strikeouts.

Miami Marlins vs New York Mets

My Pick: Trevor Rogers under 4.5 strikeouts (+108 FanDuel Sportsbook)

The Mets' offense came alive in a big way last night. They dominated the Marlins, putting up nine runs. A big reason for their win was plate discipline, as they walked a total of 12 times. It isn’t surprising as the Mets a twenty-eight in the MLB in strikeouts (42).

Rogers did not have a great start to his season. He gave up four runs (three earned) in four innings while striking out four. It was a concerning performance from a young pitcher that the Marlins were hoping would take a step forward this season. Rogers faced the Mets twice last season, posting a 5.79 ERA. 

Roger’s does have strikeout stuff, but this Mets offense looks to have broken out. Their plate discipline and hot bats will limit strikeouts and chase Rogers from the game early. It also helps they will be at home, as the Marlins’ starter had a  5.00 ERA on the road last season.

It is a low strikeout total, but I am confident this one will hit.

Cincinnati Reds vs Philadelphia Phillies

My Pick: Nick Castellanos to hit a double (+380 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

The former Reds slugger doesn’t have the best average or the most RBIs, but he does have five doubles on the season so far. Two of those came against the Reds in last night’s game. It’s a sign that he is seeing the ball well and is motivated to beat his old team. The home run totals may be down, but if he can recapture his batting from a couple of years ago he may be in for plenty of doubles.

Castellanos will be facings second-year Reds starter Nick Lodolo. The young starter did well against the Phillies last season, but he was awful on the road. Lodolo posted a 5.11 ERA in away games last season and will be in a tough environment in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Despite their 2-5 record, the Phillies' roster remains one of the most dangerous in the NL. They showed some spark last night, and that will be giving them momentum for Saturday. Look for Turner and Castellanos to put up another big game, with the latter going for extra bases at least once.

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