Not only do we have a massive MLB slate on our hands tonight, but we have playoff basketball implications too. First off, we have plenty of Underdog Fantasy player props for Friday night's Major League Baseball action. Plus, the final two teams to slot into the NBA playoffs will be decided in tonight's play-in games. So, let’s take a look at player props for both the MLB and NBA. It’s going to be a GREAT Friday night in sports!

 

 

MLB Underdog Player Props:

 

 

UNDER 3.5 Strikeouts

Not only did Drew Rasmussen struggle to miss bats in his first start, but he also has not been much of a strikeout threat since becoming a starter for the Rays in 2021. Rasmussen had a 29% K rate as a reliever last year but decreased down to just 18% as a starter. Much to that point, he had just three strikeouts in his first start this year.

Rasmussen’s match-up comes against a White Sox offense that just hasn’t struck out a lot. They have just a 17.4% punchout mark overall and a 19.6% K rate against right-handed pitching. We’re also unsure how many pitches Rasmussen will even throw here after throwing less than 70 in his opener.

Over Rasmussen’s last 10 games, he’s hit the over just twice – dating back to last year – and has missed it in five straight.

 

 

 

UNDER 4.5 Strikeouts

I like Brad Keller today, honestly, but we have to take his first start this year with a grain of salt when it comes to the strikeouts – or just the entire outing in general. He got through six innings on just 69 pitches while striking out five and allowing just two hits. As much as I think Keller is a candidate to break out this year, he’s NEVER been a big strikeout guy.

From 2018 to 2021, Keller didn’t have a strikeout rate better than 19.6%. The Tigers also haven’t been as susceptible to the strikeout this year as they have in seasons past, either – notching just a 22.5% K-rate to right-handed pitching so far. 

Although the Tigers' numbers against righties look bad, they’ve been very unlucky and have the fifth-highest hard-hit rate in the league. This could be a spot Keller is hit around a little bit despite Javier Báez still being out of the lineup for Detroit. Probably better for the under on Ks without Baez in, too.

 


 

Bonus NBA Underdog Player Prop:

 

 

OVER 15.5 Points

Marcus Morris has hit this number 14/18 times (78%) when he’s played 30 minutes & Paul George has been out. With George out tonight, grab the over on Morris' points.