Today’s MLB Prop Bets, Picks and Predictions: Buehler's Day On

The Cubs have been in a swoon vs. right-handed pitchers, and have to face one of the best in the business tonight. Find out why Walker Buehler should have his way, along with the rest of our best MLB prop picks for Thursday's action.

Jun 24, 2021 • 12:16 ET
Walker Buehler MLB Los Angeles Dodgers
Photo By - USA TODAY Sports

Betting the Pittsburgh Pirates to do something good might seem crazy but that’s exactly what we’re doing in today’s MLB prop bets market. But to be fair, this isn’t as much of a "Pirates can do something good" as it is a fade of Carlos Martinez.

The St. Louis Cardinals starter is going through one of the worst stretches of his career, so much so that we’re backing the Buccos in one of prop bets. We break down and pick this game and more with our best free MLB prop bets and predictions for Thursday, June 24.

Today’s MLB props and picks

Nelson Cruz Over 1.5 Total Bases (+100)

Even at 40 years old, Nelson Cruz can still rake. The Minnesota Twins DH has been doing just that in the month of June. Cruz has hits in 16 of his 17 games played this month, hitting for a .400 average, a 1.253 OPS with six home runs and 13 RBIs. 

Cruz will get the chance to keep raking against Cleveland rookie C.J. Mejia. The 24-year-old right-hander has been roughed up over his last three starts pitching to an 11.17 ERA and allowing opponents to hit .350 off him. 

With Cruz going Over 1.5 total bases 11 times in 17 games this month, getting him at even money to do it again in this situation looks like good value. 

Pirates Team Total Over 3.5 (-120)

Godspeed to anyone backing Carlos Martinez as a -160 favorite tonight. Yes, the St. Louis Cardinals are hosting the AAA Pittsburgh Pirates, but that’s just how bad Martinez has been.

The right-hander has been absolutely hammered over his last four starts, pitching to an ERA north of 15 while opponents are hitting .377 with a 1.049 OPS. Now, Martinez’s best start of the season came against this same Pirates team where he shut them out on five hits over eight innings back on May 2, but the Buccos have been a little more competent at the dish lately.

Pittsburgh has plated 5.4 runs per game over their last five contests and the Buccos shockingly rank 19th in batting average against right-handed pitchers over their last 12 games (.242). The Pirates also don’t strike out a ton, which will play well against Martinez, who is issuing 6.14 walks per nine innings over this four-game stretch.

I know it seems a bit crazy, but fading Martinez and backing the Pirates to go Over their team total is a good bet in this one.

Cubs Team Total Under 3.5 (-135)

The Chicago Cubs finally scored some runs. The Cubbies plated seven runs in Tuesday’s win over Cleveland, but that outburst may be short-lived as they head out to Chavez Ravine to start a weekend set against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Yes, scoring has been a struggle for the Cubs. Prior to Tuesday’s game, they had scored three runs or fewer in nine consecutive games, averaging 1.78 runs per game. They also rank dead last in the MLB, hitting just .173 against right-handed pitchers over their last 12 games, and it just so happens they face one of the best right-handers in the National League on Friday night in Walker Buehler. 

Buehler quietly might be having the best season of any Dodgers starter, pitching to a 2.38 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, and limiting opponents to a .196 batting average. Buehler also limited this same Cubs squad to two runs on five hits while striking out eight over six innings back on May 5. 

With Buehler in a groove, giving up just two runs on nine hits over his last three starts, and the Cubbies swinging like their sticky stuff was taken away, the Under on Chicago’s team total looks like a solid play here.

MLB betting card for June 24

  • Nelson Cruz Over 1.5 Total Bases (+100)
  • Pirates Team Total Over 3.5 (-120)
  • Cubs Team Total Under 3.5 (-135)

Picks made on 6/24/2021 at 11:50 a.m. ET

MLB parlays

Did you know that if you parlayed today’s MLB prop picks, you could win $53.83 on a $10 bet?

Use our MLB parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.

Where can I bet on MLB props?

You can bet on MLB props at every online and casino sportsbook, including MLB player props, derivatives, and a ton of other MLB prop odds. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on MLB props in your area.

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