The New York Yankees are off to a hot start, and their series decider against the Oakland A’s headlines a light Thursday slate.
Across town, the New York Mets are also in action, and my MLB player props target both of those contests, as well as a wager on Seth Lugo to pepper the strike zone.
Check out my Top 3 MLB prop picks for Thursday, April 9.
Best MLB player props today
| Player | Pick | Odds |
|---|---|---|
 Brent Rooker |
2+ hits, runs, and RBI | +105 |
 Bo Bichette |
Over 1.5 total bases | +110 |
 Seth Lugo |
Over 4.5 strikeouts | +105 |
Brent Rooker 2+ hits + runs + RBI
Brent Rooker was one of the A’s heroes yesterday with a game-winning sac fly RBI in the top of the ninth, and I’m banking on him to make a splash again today.
The A's offense has been wildly erratic, but Rooker’s 2025 numbers suggest he can get to New York Yankees starter Ryan Weathers.
Rooker had a .293 batting average against lefties last year, to go with a .885 OPS, and he blasted a home run off Weathers in a 2024 matchup during the pitcher’s time with the Marlins.
Plus, the A’s DH has had some huge moments lately, most notably hitting two homers against the Astros on Sunday, including a three-run walk-off.
- Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBC Sports California, YES
Bo Bichette Over 1.5 total bases
Things are looking up for Bo Bichette after a tough, strikeout-filled opening week that brought boos from New York Mets fans, and this is nice value for another busy day on the basepaths.
He’s posted a solid .286 batting average so far in April, and he’s coming off a pair of singles in yesterday’s 7-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Bichette is still searching for his first home run of the year, but he’s swinging the bat confidently, and I like the matchup today against Arizona starter Eduardo Rodriguez.
While Rodriguez has been terrific in his first two starts of 2026, Bo is 5-for-13 against the D-Backs lefty, including two homers and a double. I expect him to deliver good at-bats again here for a New York offense that’s still without Juan Soto.
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: ARID, SNY
Seth Lugo Over 4.5 strikeouts
After some bumps in the road last year, Seth Lugo is trying to rediscover his stellar 2024 form, which included a 3.00 ERA and 181 strikeouts.
The early signs are promising. The veteran racked up seven strikeouts in five innings of work against the Brewers over the weekend, and he also hit this Over in his final three starts last season.
Look for the righty to settle in today against an underwhelming Chicago White Sox lineup. Andrew Benintendi and Reese McGuire are the only White Sox batters with a career hit against Lugo, and Chicago is tied for the fourth-fewest runs per game this year (3.42).
I see Lugo cashing this Over, even if he doesn’t pitch past the sixth inning.
- Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: CHSN App, ROYL
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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