Quick Summary of Today’s Top Underdog MLB Picks: 

The 2026 MLB season rolls on with playoff races heating up across the league. We’ve seen plenty of highlights, storylines, and breakout players to watch. Let’s now focus on the Sunday, August 23rd slate of games with our top Underdog MLB Picks. We’ll break down a pair of MLB DFS projections to lock in as you enjoy today’s action. 

 

 

 

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Underdog Fantasy MLB Picks: Sunday, 8/23

Blake Snell MLB Underdog Fantasy Pick: Higher Than 7.5 Strikeouts

Blake Snell has looked good in his pair of starts since returning from the Injured List. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ left-hander struck out 10 in his first outing back while allowing just one run on three hits. He then allowed only two hits and one run, with five strikeouts, in his second start. 

Let’s back Snell to keep it going in Sunday’s home outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, especially in the strikeout department. The Pirates’ 25.6% strikeout rate against left-handed pitching this season is the second-highest mark in the majors. In August, they have a 26.6% K rate vs. southpaws. The offense is also striking out at a league-high 28.6% clip on the road against lefties. 

It’s a small sample size for Snell so far, but his strikeout stuff is well documented. He’s posted strikeout rates of 28.3%, 34.7%, and 31.5% over the past three seasons. Plus, he averaged 8.8 K’s per start in his final five home outings last year. Then Snell struck out nine and seven batters in his two home postseason starts. The guy is comfortable pitching at home and gets a favorable matchup.  

Willson Contreras MLB Underdog Fantasy Pick: Higher Than 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBI

Willson Contreras continues to put together the best season of his career, and his recent hot streak shows no signs of slowing down. The Boston Red Sox first baseman is batting .298 with a .984 OPS over his past 14 games. He’s also posted an impressive .988 OPS since the All-Star break. 

Carson Whisenhunt takes the mound for the San Francisco Giants, which presents a favorable matchup. The left-hander owns a 7.03 ERA and 1.84 WHIP across seven starts this season. He’s surrendered at least dour runs in four of his last five outings. Whisheunt has struggled significantly against right-handed batters, who are hitting .330 with a .946 OPS against him. 

That weakness against righties sets up well for Contreras. He’s batting .280 with a .979 OPS against left-handed pitching this season. He’s also been crushing it at home, where he’s batting .325 with a 1.030 OPS at Fenway. Let’s count on Contreras to keep it going in an ideal spot.