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Strikeouts are the name of the game for MLB pitchers. When they attack a hitter, the one thing they can do that doesn't require anyone else (save the catcher who has to catch it) is earn a strikeout. They usually get more than a few at every start, but the exact number is hard to predict.
That's why it is a fast-growing prop bet for MLB gamblers, and today, we've got the best bets to watch out for.
Best MLB strikeout prop bets for July 31
5) Pablo Lopez: Under 6.5-155
Pablo Lopez has been good for the Minnesota Twins this year and sports a 27.7% K rate. However, the New York Mets are incredibly hot right now, so it's harder to imagine the hurler getting seven or more strikeouts. Take the under today.
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4) Freddy Peralta: Over 6.5-180
Freddy Peralta has a K rate of 29.5% and a K/9 of 11.18. Both are good metrics, which is why the odds are so strong that the Milwaukee Brewers ace will record seven or more today, even against the vaunted Atlanta Braves.
3) Framber Valdez: Under 7.5-155
Framber Valdez has pitched fairly well this year, but he has not racked up a lot of strikeouts (21.7% K rate). That makes it hard to envision him surpassing seven, which is already kind of a high mark. Even though he's facing the Pittsburgh Pirates, take the under.
2) Chris Sale: Over 7.5-115
Chris Sale has struck out almost one-third of the batters he has faced. The odds aren't that strong because the over/under is so high. But Sale has been one of the best strikeout pitchers all year long (and one of the best overall), so he's likely to surpass his expected total on any given day for the Atlanta Braves.
1) Dylan Cease: Under 8.5-155
Dylan Cease has been red-hot lately, including a recent no-hitter. However, the over/under line is brutal today. Asking any pitcher to record nine strikeouts is a tall task, even though the San Diego Padres ace has struck out 32.5% of the batters he has faced this year.
