The All-Star break is over and we can finally bet on some baseball games. Before the break began, another 2-1 record was on display, but it was in disgusting fashion. Garrett Crochet was firing on all cylinders with 4 strikeouts through 2 innings and then was taken out of the game for some reason. The Chicago White Sox are looking to trade their star pitcher and are now lowering his workload to get a huge load for the All-Star. However, it would have been great to know that beforehand, especially after those first 2 innings being spectacular.
Luckily the break is over and I can try to continue the hot streak of winning nights. There have been a few nights where the perfect 3-0 card slipped away from my grasp, but the second half of the season should bring some more green. Let’s check out the first trio of props for the second half of the MLB season.
Juan Soto Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs (-120)
Before the All-Star break, the New York Yankees were on a downward spiral. However, Juan Soto was still on an absolute tear. He finished the first half with 23 home runs, 65 RBIs, and a .985 OPS. He would be in prime position for the AL MVP if not for his teammate, Aaron Judge, having a historic first half.
Soto looks to continue his strong year by facing off against the Tampa Bay Rays and a pitcher he has had an immense amount of success against. Soto’s numbers against Zach Eflin are ridiculous. In 37 plate appearances, Soto is batting .452 with an OBP of .514.
Eflin also tends to struggle on the road. At home, Eflin is commanding a 2.25 ERA, while on the road the ERA balloons to 5.37. The Yankees are in dire need of a hot stretch. I think this upcoming series can be the catalyst for a nice end to the month. This can be led by not only their captain in Judge, but also Soto in a favorable matchup.
Corbin Burnes Under 18.5 Outs Recorded (-190)
Corbin Burnes is having a stellar season for the Orioles. He has stepped right in seamlessly as the ace for a championship contender. However, I think that the line for his outs recorded might be a little too high.
Burnes is fully capable of reaching 7+ innings, but I think the Orioles might want to reduce the workload for their inevitable postseason appearance. The Orioles are practically locked in for the playoffs and might not want to overextend their ace. Furthermore, his opponent tonight is not an easy one.
The Texas Rangers are in a tough spot with whether or not they sell off some pieces. They are 4 games below .500, but are only 5 games out of the AL West. The next week and a half might be the turning point for the defending champions. Despite the struggles, the offense is healthy and seems to be clicking. They have are top 10 this month in AVG, OPS, and wRC+ at home.
The Rangers can be a scary team when they are locked in at the same time. However, I still can see a path where Burnes has a great outing. I see them taking it easy during this stretch with a fully rested bullpen coming out of the break.
Chris Flexen Over 5.5 Hits Allowed (-160)
The Kansas City Royals are an enigma when you look at their home and road splits. At home, the Royals are a dominant squad. However, on the road, they are one of the worst teams to pick up a bat. It is such a drastic difference. Luckily, they get to take on the worst team in the MLB at home.
The Chicago White Sox are putrid and getting ready to ship off their key players. That leaves certain individuals to just eat up innings in the rotation. Chris Flexen is one of those pitchers that is going to eat up innings as they tank the rest of the season away. Flexen is currently commanding a 4.82 ERA and WHIP of 1.37. He is not a quality starter at this juncture of his career.
The Royals have faced Flexen once this year at home and managed to knock him for 6 hits. I think the over hits with ease, as I see him pitching through any trouble just to absorb more innings for the selling White Sox.
Noel is from Philadelphia, PA. He went to West Chester University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications in Media & Culture.
