Michael Wacha (KCR) Under 4.5 Strikeouts (-137)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Royals prepare to face the Giants, all eyes will be on Michael Wacha on the mound. While Wacha has had his moments, recent trends suggest he might struggle to reach that 4.5 strikeout mark. The Royals' lineup has been surprisingly resilient, showing a knack for making contact and cutting down on strikeouts, especially against right-handed pitchers. Over the past few weeks, they've posted a contact rate well above the league average, effectively neutralizing strikeout threats.
Wacha's strikeout numbers have also dipped, averaging just over two strikeouts in his last few outings, which aligns perfectly with the model's prediction of 2.56. Given these factors, the under on his strikeouts feels like a smart play. With Kansas City’s batters putting the ball in play and Wacha’s recent form, it’s tough to envision him hitting that over. Expect a lot of action but not much whiffing on Monday night.