It’s never too early for baseball panic meters to go into overdrive, and the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays lead the list of teams under the microscope heading into today’s action.
The Mets’ 10-game losing streak is especially alarming, but there are more encouraging signs elsewhere in the NL East, and my MLB player props include a wager on Ozzie Albies, who’s delivering for the division-leading Atlanta Braves.
Read on for more on Albies and my other favorite MLB picks for the April 19 slate.
Best MLB player props today
| Player | Pick | Odds |
|---|---|---|
 Mike Trout |
Over 1.5 total bases | +110 |
 Kevin Gausman |
Over 5.5 strikeouts | +104 |
 Ozzie Albies |
Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI | -115 |
Mike Trout Over 1.5 total bases (+110)
The Mike Trout hot streak continued last night with a double off San Diego Padres starter German Marquez, and he’s now mashed 10 hits across his past eight outings.
That stretch includes five homers, with Trout putting this L.A. Angels offense on his shoulders. He’s posted a .500 OBP and a 1.115 OPS in day games so far this season, and I like this price for 2+ bases today.
San Diego’s Michael King is in the firing line today at Angel Stadium and, despite his solid start to the year, he gave up a hit to Trout in their lone head-to-head career battle.
- Time: 4:07 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Angels.TV, FDSN-West
Kevin Gausman Over 5.5 strikeouts (+104)
Injuries have derailed the Toronto Blue Jays’ opening month, and they desperately need Kevin Gausman to steady the ship today against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s been his usual reliable self through four starts this year, with a 2.42 ERA and 0.85 WHIP, and he’s already racked up 31 strikeouts.
Toronto has struggled to collect Ks in this series against Arizona, but Gausman can at least point to impressive numbers in his matchups with key Arizona hitters. Nolan Arenado and Ketel Marte are a combined 7-for-43 against him, with five strikeouts.
Look for the stumbling Jays to ride Gausman as long as possible after another disastrous Jeff Hoffman bullpen outing last night.
- Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Sportsnet, Dbacks.TV
Ozzie Albies Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-115)
Ozzie Albies has been one of the engines for the Atlanta Braves’ eye-catching 14-7 start, and he’s picked up 11 hits in his last 10 contests, with six RBI in that span. I’m counting on that consistency here.
The Braves have scored 6+ runs in four of their past six outings, and Albies has nailed this Over in three of his last four games.
Today, he faces Philadelphia Phillies rookie Andrew Painter as Atlanta goes for the sweep, and Albies will be a danger man in the heart of the lineup on the heels of a double and a single yesterday off Cristopher Sanchez.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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