On August 14, 2026 we like 6 MLB player props from 5 games on the card. The one we are most confident in is Rafael Devers (BOS) Under 1.5 Total Bases (-179), a HIGH confidence pick. Each one below is our own number against the price the book is offering, in plain English, with how confident we are in words.
The props we like today
Jake Bennett Under 4.5 Strikeouts (-147)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
When the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Boston Red Sox, all eyes will be on Jake Bennett, who’s been a bit of an enigma on the mound. While the young righty has flashes of brilliance, he hasn't consistently racked up strikeouts. With a line set at 4.5, the under is looking quite appealing. Boston's lineup is no slouch; they’ve been hitting the ball hard and often, ranking among the top in the league for contact percentage. That might limit Bennett's ability to miss bats, especially against a lineup featuring stars like Rafael Devers and Alex Verdugo. Moreover, Bennett has averaged just 2.44 strikeouts in recent outings. With the Red Sox’s disciplined approach at the plate, coupled with Pittsburgh’s shaky hitting support, it’s easy to see him struggling to reach that 4.5 mark. Expect a lower strikeout total in this matchup.
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As we look ahead to Saturday's clash between the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies, Victor Bericoto's recent form suggests a potentially challenging outing for him at the plate. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his performance against left-handed pitchers like the Rockies’ starter hasn’t been stellar, batting just.210 in those matchups this season. Moreover, the Giants' offense has been mired in inconsistency, especially at home, where they’ve struggled to find rhythm against lefties. The Rockies may not have the best overall record, but their bullpen has tightened up recently, allowing just seven runs over their last five games. With Bericoto likely facing tough pitching and the Giants’ lineup navigating these recent trends, betting the under on his total bases feels like a smart play. Expect a gritty contest that might keep his numbers grounded.
Gerrit Cole (NYY) Under 5.5 Strikeouts (-156)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
As the Yankees roll into Toronto, all eyes will be on Gerrit Cole, but don’t be surprised if he struggles to reach that 5.5 strikeout threshold. Cole’s recent outings against the Blue Jays have shown a stark contrast to his usual dominance. Over the past few matchups, he’s averaged just over three strikeouts against this lineup, which has been finding ways to make contact and extend at-bats. The Jays have been disciplined at the plate, boasting one of the league's lowest strikeout rates in August. Moreover, Toronto's hitters are locked in, capitalizing on mistakes and wearing down pitchers. With the stakes high and the Jays needing every win, expect them to put pressure on Cole to pitch to contact rather than chase strikeouts. Given that this line feels inflated considering recent trends, betting on the under seems like a savvy move in this high-stakes showdown.
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Guardians host the Padres, all eyes will be on Patrick Bailey’s performance at the plate. Given the recent trends, it’s worth noting that he’s struggled against right-handed pitching, hitting just.190 over his last 20 games. Facing the Padres' righty, who has been effective, Bailey could find himself overmatched, especially considering the Padres' impressive bullpen depth. Additionally, Cleveland's home field has been a tough venue for hitters recently, with the Guardians allowing the fewest hits to opposing batters in the league this month. With the stakes high and playoff positions at risk, both teams are likely to tighten up. When you factor in Bailey's struggles and the formidable pitching he’ll face, betting on him to stay under 0.5 hits seems like a savvy move. The conditions are ripe for a quiet night for the young backstop.
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Cubs prepare to host the Cardinals, all eyes will be on Tyrone Taylor, but betting on him to record a hit seems risky. Taylor has struggled lately, sitting at just a.195 average over his last 15 games, and with the Cardinals' pitching staff heating up, the odds are stacked against him. Facing a formidable starter like Jack Flaherty, who’s been effective at limiting opponents' hits with a WHIP just above 1.10, it’s hard to envision Taylor finding success at the plate. Moreover, the Cardinals have been stingy in the outfield, allowing fewer than 7 hits per game recently. Given these recent trends, the under on Taylor’s hits feels like a smart move, particularly with such a low line of 0.5. With the stats leaning heavily toward a quiet night for him, this bet is one to consider seriously.
Rafael Devers (BOS) Under 1.5 Total Bases (-179)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Giants gear up to face the Rockies, Rafael Devers’ total bases line sitting at 1.5 raises eyebrows. While Devers is undoubtedly a talented hitter, recent trends suggest he might struggle to clear that mark against the Giants' formidable pitching staff. San Francisco’s rotation has been nothing short of stellar at home, limiting opponents to a minuscule batting average — a tough challenge for any batter. Delving into Devers' recent performance shows he’s been relatively quiet, especially against right-handed pitchers, which the Giants will deploy. The last few games have seen him struggle to find his rhythm, and with San Francisco’s bullpen ready to capitalize on any weakness, it’s hard to envision him racking up those total bases. With the odds tilting towards the under, betting on Devers to stay below 1.5 total bases feels like the savvy play in this matchup.
That is the whole read. Every prop above is our own number against the price on the board at the time we wrote this, and the price can move before you get on. Bet what you can afford to lose. If betting stops being fun, take a break.
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