Javier Assad (NA) Under 3.5 Strikeouts (-133)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As we gear up for the Rays and Cubs clash, all eyes will be on Javier Assad. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, the matchup against Tampa Bay poses a unique challenge. The Rays are notorious for their disciplined approach at the plate, ranking among the top teams in the league in terms of plate discipline and minimizing strikeouts.
Assad, with his current strikeout rate hovering below the league average, faces a lineup that rarely goes down swinging. The Rays’ ability to make contact consistently suggests they’ll frustrate Assad tonight. He’s been averaging just under two strikeouts per outing in recent starts, and with the Rays’ potent offense applying pressure, it’s hard to envision him surpassing that 3.5 mark. Given the trends and the opposing lineup's strengths, the under looks like the smart play here.