After a subpar Friday and Saturday, we're eager to set things right on the diamond! Even with the poor weekend results of 3-5, we're still sitting at 185-152 on the season. Let's start the week off with a bang!
We've scoured the Monday MLB slate to bring you our top player prop and a best bet for August 12. Good luck, sports betting family!
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STL at CIN - 6:40 PM EDT
If they want to give me plus money on one of the best strikeout pitchers in the game, I'll take it! Mr. Gray can get knocked around from time to time, but his K-rate of 30.4% is simply amazing and ranks in the 91st percentile.
Pitching in Great American Ball Park is a daunting task, but this Reds lineup doesn't have much collective success against Gray. Cincy is hitting just .216 against the veteran righty through 41 career plate appearances. Gray's strikeout rate against this Reds roster is a robust 36.6%.
Cincy hasn't been striking out as often as they used to, but Will Benson (39.8% K-rate) normally starts against righties and he's good for at least 2 Ks per game. Can Gray find 5 Ks elsewhere? I think so!
Gray should also fare well against high volume strikeout guys like Elly De La Cruz, Ty France, and Jeimer Candelario. It also doesn't hurt that Gray has fanned 7 or more batters in 3 of his last 4 starts. Give me the plus money Over!
CHC at CLE - 6:40 PM EDT
Shota Imanaga continues to be disrespected by oddsmakers and I just can't figure out why. The rookie lefty has gone 9-2 this season with one of the lowest WHIPs in the game (1.05). Shota does most of his damage with a 92 mph fastball and a splitter that drops off the table.
The Guardians hit the ball well versus lefties, but their lineup has been in a major funk of late. Sure, they salvaged a series split against Minnesota, but they've still only won 3 of their last 10 ball games. I expect them to struggle against Imanaga in this one.
The Cubs lineup has been a disappointment this year, but they've been performing better lately. The addition of Issac Parades has helped them tremendously. Let's play the Cubbies in the first 5 innings to avoid the Guardians' stellar bullpen. Go Cubs Go!