Best MLB Parlay Picks Today, Friday 07/17 (5-Leg) Featuring Jackson Merrill!: Expert MLB Selections

As the Rockies host the Reds, all eyes should be on TJ Rumfield, whose recent struggles at the plate make the 'Under 1.5 hits' a compelling bet. Rumfield has been battling a slump, managing just a handful of hits in his last several games, which doesn’t bode well against a resilient Reds pitching staff. Cincinnati’s arms have shown a knack for stifling opposing bats, boasting a solid strikeout rate and limiting hard contact. Moreover, the altitude of Coors Field can be deceptive; while it’s known for offensive fireworks, the Rockies' own pitching has been surprisingly effective lately, and their bullpen can hold leads. With Rumfield’s current form and the Reds’ ability to keep hitters in check, betting the under seems prudent. Expect a game where the pitchers have the upper hand, making it tough for Rumfield to break through.

Sal Stewart (NA) Under 1.5 Hits (-192)

As the Rockies take on the Reds in this intriguing matchup, keep an eye on Sal Stewart's bat. With the Rockies’ Coors Field known for its offensive fireworks, you might expect a hit parade. However, Stewart's recent performance tells a different story. He’s been struggling at the plate, with a batting average hovering around .220 over the past few weeks. On the mound, Rockies starter has been effective against right-handed hitters, limiting their impact in the early innings. Moreover, the Reds' lineup has shown inconsistency, particularly against pitchers who can mix speeds effectively. With Stewart facing a challenging starter on the road, the odds lean toward him staying under 1.5 hits. The combination of his recent slump and the Rockies' pitching strategy suggests a low-output day for him, making the 'Under' a promising option.

Miguel Andujar (PIT) Under 1.5 Hits (-227)

As the Royals welcome the Padres for this Saturday showdown, all eyes should be on Miguel Andujar and his quest for hits. With his current form, betting on him to stay under 1.5 hits seems savvy. While Andujar has shown flashes of brilliance, he faces a Padres pitching staff that has been relentless lately, holding opponents to a mere .220 batting average. In his last few games, Andujar has struggled to find his rhythm, tallying only a couple of hits over his last six appearances. Compounding this challenge is the fact that the Royals have been inconsistent at the plate, often struggling against quality arms. With the stakes high and the pitching matchup leaning heavily in San Diego's favor, it's reasonable to expect Andujar to stay below that 1.5 threshold. Keep an eye on the trends; they often tell a story, and this one points to a quiet night for the Royals’ slugger.

Ceddanne Rafaela (NA) Under 1.5 Hits (-270)

As the Red Sox gear up to face the Rays, all eyes should be on Ceddanne Rafaela. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, recent trends suggest he might struggle to find success against Tampa Bay’s pitching staff. The Rays have been formidable on the mound, boasting a top-tier rotation that has consistently kept opposing batters in check. Rafaela, despite his talent, has seen a dip in his batting average against right-handed pitchers, which is significant given that the Rays will likely send one of their best righties to the mound. Additionally, he’s averaged less than one hit per game in recent series, failing to clear the 1.5 mark consistently. With Tampa's ability to stifle hitters and Rafaela's recent performance, betting the under on his hits feels like a savvy play in this matchup, especially with the Red Sox's lineup struggling to find rhythm against quality pitching.