Framber Valdez ParlayPlay MLB Picks Today, 8/17: Baseball Projections + More

Two left-handers headline Monday's ParlayPlay board, one a returning ace looking dominant and the other facing a lineup that has been striking out at an extreme rate recently. Our MLB DFS Projections have both arms projected for a strong workload tonight. For a deeper look at how tonight's arms project pitch by pitch, check out our MLB DFS Pitcher Projections, and line-shop today's strikeout numbers with our MLB Odds Finder before you build your board.

Framber Valdez MLB ParlayPlay Pick: Higher than 5.5 Strikeouts

Valdez struggled in his last turn against Cleveland, walking five while striking out only three, a step back after consecutive seven-inning quality starts. Pittsburgh has been striking out against left-handed pitching at a 29 percent clip over the last two weeks, an extreme recent trend that plays right into tonight's matchup. Even without elite swing-and-miss stuff on the season, the sheer volume of Pirates strikeouts lately gives Valdez a real chance to clear this modest number. His history of bouncing back after a rough outing adds further confidence here. That is the number. That is the play.

Blake Snell MLB ParlayPlay Pick: Higher than 6.5 Strikeouts

Snell was dominant in his return from injury, punching out 10 batters over six innings against Kansas City in his first start back this season. Colorado's strikeout rate against left-handed pitching sits at 24.9 percent, a strong matchup for a two-time Cy Young winner even in a hitter-friendly ballpark. His fastball velocity ticked up in that return outing compared to where he was sitting before the injury, a sign that his best stuff has returned. That combination of dominant recent form and a favorable opponent makes this number very reachable tonight. Do not overthink it.

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