The start of a new work week always seems a bit lighter on Monday, at least in MLB’s case. With just 10 games on the slate we see a handful of new series beginning starting with Arizona in Miami, through the Mariners in Los Angeles. We will lean on the OddsShopper Underdog Fantasy Optimizer to grab any market value as we build another 3x winner. Here are your top two MLB Underdog pick’em predictions to jump start your entry.
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Joe Boyle H/L Than 5.5 Strikeouts
There’s plenty to be excited about with Joe Boyle taking the mound tonight if you can by the brutal record for his Oakland Athletics. The positive lies in specifically taking advantage of the Tampa Bay Rays lineup in the strikeout market. This game stood out as a lower-scoring (better pitching matchup with Taj Bradley on the other side) game between these two, where Boyle has an edge with strikeouts.
His strikeout rate is 23% this year as he’s making his ninth start of the year. Boyle hit six strikeouts in three of eight starts, and tonight he will face a Tampa lineup with multiple holes. Tampa is 6.5 games out of the final Wild Card after winning three straight, but that doesn’t mask its refusal or inability to limit strikeouts at the plate. With three to four everyday players north of a 24% strikeout rate, Boyle will have chances — or be able to create some on his own. These are the starts where he can push into the fifth inning to balance out an earlier jam.
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Prediction: Joe Boyle Higher Than 5.5 Strikeouts
Zebby Matthews H/L Than 3.5 Strikeouts
Zebby Matthews is coming right at the King. To be fair, Michael King was never referred to as “THE” King, but Matthews could prove to be the better pitcher even if it’s just tonight. Making just his second start, Matthews is faced with a 3.5-strikeout projection against a hot Padres team. The only true issue for the Padres has been playing Colorado.
The Padres are new to Matthews like every team outside the Royals. He dealt five strikeouts in his debut and now squares off against a banged-up Padres squad. The matchup might seem a little tougher on paper, at least for Matthews to strike out, but that’s based on too much uncertainty on both sides. The Padres are hoping for the best with Ha-Seong Kim and his shoulder injury, but they may start to move lineups around.
Matthews brings an unknown too, but that should work to his advantage in the first time through the order. Look: We aren’t asking this kid to throw a complete game no-hitter. It’s simply getting to four strikeouts against San Diego as it shuffles its lineup.
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Prediction: Zebby Matthews Higher Than 3.5 Strikeouts
