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Today is the first day of the playoffs, which means MLB starting pitchers will look to rack up strikeouts against top offenses. The rotations get better, but every team these pitchers face is theoretically one of the best in baseball. Most of them have solid offenses that make racking up the Ks a little harder. Nevertheless, we have today's best picks from DraftKings.
Best MLB strikeout prop bets for Oct. 1
5) Tarik Skubal: Over 5.5 -155
Tarik Skubal's 228 strikeouts during the regular season were the most in the AL and second-most in baseball to Chris Sale. He was phenomenal this year, so it doesn't matter who he's facing. With a shockingly low line for the Detroit Tigers ace, take the over and expect him to mow down the Houston Astros.
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4) Framber Valdez: Under 6.5 -140
Despite a positive matchup with a less-than-intimidating Detroit Tigers lineup, Framber Valdez's line is high, and we advise taking the under. He sported a 24% K rate and 8.63 K/9 this year. Neither of those numbers implies a dominant strikeout effort today.
3) Cole Ragans: Over 5.5 -155
Cole Ragans had a terrific season for the Kansas City Royals, and he struck out 29.3% of the batters he faced. The Baltimore Orioles offense wasn't excellent over the last month of the season, with many players struggling. With a lower line, take the over today.
2) Corbin Burnes: Under 5.5 -160 (safest pick of the day)
Corbin Burnes had a good year this season, but he did not have his usual strikeout numbers (23.1% K rate, 8.38 K/9). The Kansas City Royals don't have the deepest offense, but it's been borderline impossible to keep Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez quiet. He rebounded in his last two starts, but September wasn't kind to the Baltimore Orioles ace, either.
1) Michael King: Under 5.5 -110 (bold prediction of the day)
Michael King pitched well this year, and the Atlanta Braves have an offense depleted by injury. That should be a recipe for a high strikeout day, but that's why it's a bold prediction. King has some postseason experience, but his biggest and best year in 2023 ended when the regular season did. This is a big test, so take the under.
