There is a loaded 16-game MLB slate on Friday, with plenty of MLB player props to choose from.
I have compiled my three best props for Friday, focusing on pitcher strikeouts. As always, monitor the odds and available pricing, as the player prop market is constantly changing.
Here are my free MLB picks for Friday, May 23.
Best MLB player props today
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Boyd o6.5 Ks (+125) -
Kershaw u3.5 Ks (+105) -
Gallen u4.5 Ks (+100)
MLB props for May 23
Matthew Boyd Over 6.5 strikeouts (+125 at DraftKings)
The Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs to kick off the evening portion of Friday’s MLB slate. Left-hander Matthew Boyd takes the mound for Chicago and is a strong candidate to back.
Through nine starts this season, Boyd is 4-2 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Specifically, the southpaw is worth targeting in the strikeout market.
He ranks in the top third of the league in both chase rate and strikeout rate. Boyd has recorded more than 6.5 strikeouts in each of his past three starts.
Clayton Kershaw Under 3.5 strikeouts (+105 at DraftKings)
Later in the evening, the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the New York Mets. Left-hander Clayton Kershaw continues his comeback attempt following surgeries on his knee and toe, but the outlook is not promising.
In his debut, Kershaw allowed five runs on five hits through four innings. He struck out only two batters in that outing, and a quick improvement appears unlikely.
His fastball velocity has significantly declined, diminishing the effectiveness of his slider and curveball. Father Time and injuries appear to have caught up to the future Hall of Famer, making him a fade candidate until further notice.
Zac Gallen Under 4.5 strikeouts (+100 at DraftKings)
One of the late games on Friday’s slate features the St. Louis Cardinals hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Right-hander Zac Gallen takes the mound for Arizona and has regressed significantly this season.
Gallen is 3-5 through 10 starts with a 5.14 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. His underlying metrics suggest continued struggles, as he ranks in the 39th percentile or lower in expected ERA (xERA), chase rate, barrel rate and hard-hit rate.
My MLB picks believe these woes are likely to continue against the current Cardinals roster, which boasts a .325 batting average, .600 slugging percentage, and .420 wOBA through 47 combined plate appearances against Gallen. Furthermore, St. Louis ranks sixth in the league in strikeout rate this season.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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