Ben Rice ParlayPlay MLB Picks Today, 7/17: Baseball Projections + More

Quick Summary of Today’s Top ParlayPlay MLB Picks: 

• Ben Rice (NYY): More Than 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI
• Troy Melton (DET): More Than 5.5 Strikeouts

The 2026 MLB season rolls into another weekend of baseball. It’s been a fun first half of the campaign with plenty of highlights, storylines, and All-Stars emerging. Let’s now dive into our ParlayPlay MLB Picks Today for Friday, July 17th. We’ll dish out a pair of MLB DFS projections to lock in as you enjoy the action. 

ParlayPlay Fantasy MLB Picks Today: Friday, 7/17

Ben Rice MLB ParlayPlay Fantasy Pick: More Than 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI

Ben Rice emerged as one of MLB’s biggest breakout stars before the All-Star break. His 29 home runs and 68 RBI both rank 3rd in the majors, and he heads into the second half with an impressive .971 OPS. Expect the New York Yankees’ first baseman to pick up right where he left off. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers will start Roki Sasaki tonight. The right-hander has struggled overall, posting a 5.33 ERA and 5.58 FIP this season. While he put together a solid stretch in May, he’s also regressed since. Sasaki has posted an 8.61 ERA across his last 5 starts. Plus, his road numbers are also concerning, as he owns a 6.25 ERA in 7 away outings. 

Rice is in a good spot to capitalize on this matchup at home. The lefty slugger is hitting .287 with a 1.041 OPS against right-handed pitching this season. He’s also put up a .985 OPS at Yankee Stadium. Furthermore, Rice entered the break in excellent form, batting .359 with a dominant 1.351 OPS over his last 11 games. 

• ParlayPlay MLB Pick: Ben Rice More Than 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI

Troy Melton MLB ParlayPlay Fantasy Pick: More Than 5.5 Strikeouts

Troy Melton has been a steady force in the Detroit Tigers’ rotation since returning from injury in May. Across 8 starts, the right-hander owns a stellar 1.82 ERA and 0.81 WHIP. He now has a favorable opportunity to continue that success against the Los Angeles Angels tonight, at least in the strikeout department. 

The Angels remain one of the league’s most strikeout-prone lineups. They lead the majors with a 25.0% strikeout rate overall this season. Plus, their 24.8% K rate vs. right-handed pitching is the second-worst in the MLB. That trend hasn’t changed in July, either. Los Angeles has a 24.9% strikeout rate vs. righties this month. 

It’s an ideal matchup for Melton, who’s generated plenty of swings and misses in recent outings. He struck out 9 against the Athletics and 7 against the Yankees in his latest two starts before the break. Melton has now recorded 5+ strikeouts in 6 consecutive starts, and 6+ in each of his last three outings. Given his recent form and the Angels’ strikeout tendencies, he’s in a strong position to clear tonight’s 5.5 line. 

• ParlayPlay MLB Pick: Troy Melton More Than 5.5 Strikeouts