A split slate is on the docket for this Wednesday, so make sure to check the start times before loading up this parlay. For this Wednesday, the first start isn’t until 3:37pm ET. Though it’s rare, underdogs eventually have their day, and when they do, the payouts are very nice. Here are the best bets for underdogs for those who like to fade the favorites and cheer for the upset at high odds. This piece will use the OddsShopper MLB Parlay Builder paired with the Stokastic MLB projections to make the best MLB picks and parlays today.
MLB Picks and Parlays Today 8/24
Andrew Heaney O/U 6.5 Strikeouts | BetMGM RISK FREE BET
Andrew Heaney and the Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers, who are implied for 3.3 runs. This will be Heaney’s second consecutive start against the Brewers, which usually gives the advantage to the batters. In his most recent start, Heaney was extremely boom or bust. He allowed three earned runs and 10 strikeouts through 4.2 innings while suffering his first loss of the season. In limited action, Heaney has been electric, with a 34.2% strikeout rate and a 1.77 ERA. However, limited action is the key word here. Heaney has averaged 75 pitches per start in his last five starts and has failed to get through five complete innings.
The Dodgers have no reason to push Heaney, as they are cruising to the No. 1 overall seed in the National League. Stokastic projects only 5.7 strikeouts for Heaney in this spot and an xWin rate of 63% on the under.
Best MLB Pick Today: Andrew Heaney UNDER 6.5 Strikeouts (+100)
Cole Irvin O/U 4.5 Strikeouts | BetMGM RISK FREE BET
The second strikeout prop that is coming in at even money is Cole Irvin under 4.5 strikeouts in his matchup against the Miami Marlins. Irvin has had difficulty generating strikeouts over the last four seasons, with his career high being a 18.2% strikeout rate in 2020. Despite his strikeout struggles, Irvin leads the team in ERA (3.33), which isn’t saying much for the Oakland Athletics, who are the laughingstock of the American League this season.
Through 22 starts, Irvin has a 6-11 record paired with a 16.1% strikeout rate. He has only struck out five or more in 5 of his 22 starts, which is good for a 77.3% hit rate on this under. Irvin has also been pummeled in his last two starts, allowing five earned runs in each game while only generating three strikeouts through 12 innings. He has also lost each of his last four starts and is a home underdog in this matchup tonight. Stokastic projects four strikeouts for Irvin.
Best MLB Pick Today: Cole Irvin UNDER 4.5 Strikeouts (+100)
Anibal Sanchez O/U 3.5 Strikeouts | BetMGM RISK FREE BET
Even though this is a low line, Anibal Sanchez is in a brutal matchup. The Mariners are implied for 5.3 runs, while Sanchez and the Nationals are +260 underdogs. Sanchez will start his eighth game of the season tonight after missing all of 2021. It may be time for Sanchez to hang up the cleats, as this year has been brutal so far. He has allowed a career-high 2.83 HR/9 and a 6.43 ERA while posting a record of 0-5. His strikeout rate of 17.0% is the lowest since the 2007 season with the Florida Marlins. Sanchez also has a double-digit walk rate for the first time since 2009. All in all, it has been a brutal comeback season for Sanchez.
For the month of August, the Mariners rank 21st in strikeout rate and are top 10 in home runs, runs and ISO. This is a very tough matchup for Sanchez.
Best MLB Pick Today: Anibal Sanchez UNDER 3.5 Strikeouts (+105)
Blake Snell O/U 6.5 Strikeouts | BetMGM RISK FREE BET
In his second season with the Padres, Blake Snell has been fantastic. He has allowed 0.65 HR/9 and a 3.76 ERA. Snell also has above a 30% strikeout rate for the fifth straight season, which is incredible. Getting to seven strikeouts may seem like a large ask, but Snell has accomplished that in five straight starts while averaging 8.2 strikeouts per game during that time.
Some pitchers have that knack for generating strikeouts in bunches, and Snell fits perfectly into that category. The Cleveland Guardians have been great in limiting strikeouts this season, as they rank last in team strikeout rate at 18.3%. This is no doubt a tough strikeout matchup, but Snell has shown the ability to have the upper hand in any matchup. His last two starts were against the Washington Nationals, who rank 29th in strikeout rate, and Snell breezed through their lineup, striking out 17 in 11 innings. Don’t be intimidated by the matchup; Snell is a fantastic bet for his over strikeout prop tonight, especially with the value set at +115.
Best MLB Pick Today: Blake Snell OVER 6.5 Strikeouts (+115)
