Looking for the best Underdog Fantasy MLB picks today? Our Underdog MLB Pick'em predictions for Wednesday, August 19th, spotlight two MLB player props worth targeting on today’s action-packed MLB slate. The strikeout lines for Cade Cavalli and Parker Messick both come with clear situational edges backed by current form, matchup data, and recent trends. If you are building your Underdog Pick'em entry for today’s MLB slate, here is the full case for where we land on both and why the MLB DFS projections are set up the way they are.

What are the Best Underdog MLB Pick'em Picks Today?

Today’s two best Underdog Fantasy MLB Pick'em plays are Cade Cavalli over 5.5 strikeouts and Parker Messick over 6.5 strikeouts. Both props are supported by matchup data, current streaks, and favorable line construction heading into an action-packed day of baseball. Read below for the complete analysis on each.

 

 

 

Cade Cavalli OVER 5.5 Strikeouts

The strikeout totals have been a bit hit-or-miss for Cavalli, as he has posted 18 strikeouts over his last 14 IP, but just six punchouts in the 12 IP prior. He has a strong repertoire that can take advantage of strikeout-prone lineups, and the Texas Rangers certainly fall into that category. Before diving into Texas’ struggles, let’s highlight that Cavalli has increased the usage of his cutter and slider here in the second half, with the latter being the more notable offering, as his slider has recorded a .104 BAA and 13.5 SwStr%.

In the second half, the Rangers have the fifth-highest strikeout rate (25%) and fifth-lowest wOBA (.297) against RHP. Over the last two weeks overall, the Rangers boast a 24.1 K% and .295 OBP as a team. This is a lineup that Cavalli can dominate, and he’s one of my favorite arms on the board today.

Parker Messick OVER 6.5 Strikeouts

We’ve seen Messick increase the usage of his fastball of late, and that pitch has been solid to him this year, posting a 12.1 SwStr% and .157 BAA. In five starts since the All-Star break, Messick has a 2.08 ERA and 26.7 K%, and he draws a good matchup against a San Francisco Giants team that has been porous against southpaws all year long. While they have the third-lowest OPS against lefties this year, the issues have picked up of late, and this month, the Giants have a 25.2 K% and .501 OPS against southpaws. For a frame of reference, those marks are the eighth-worst and tied for the lowest mark in all of baseball.

Messick’s fastball-changeup combo will wreak havoc on this San Fran lineup today.

 

 

 

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If you have not yet signed up for Underdog Fantasy, there is no better time than tonight. New users who register using promo code ALARM will receive a free pick plus $50 instantly, giving you real money to work with on this slate and every MLB game going forward. Visit fantasyalarm.com/offers to lock in your bonus before the evening games get underway.