Troy Melton Underdog MLB Picks Today, 7/17: Baseball Projections + More

Quick Summary of Today’s Top Underdog MLB Picks: 

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

The 2026 MLB season rolls on with the All-Star break in the rearview. It’s been an entertaining first half of baseball with plenty of highlights, storylines, and breakout players to watch. Let’s now focus on the Friday, July 17th 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. 

Underdog Fantasy MLB Picks: Friday, 7/17

Troy Melton MLB Underdog Fantasy Pick: Higher Than 5.5 Strikeouts

Troy Melton has been a bright spot in the Detroit Tigers’ rotation over the past few months. The right-hander owns a 1.82 ERA and 0.81 WHIP over 8 starts since making his season debut in May. Let’s back him to keep it going against the Los Angeles Angels tonight, specifically in the strikeout department. 

The Angels have been one of the most strikeout-prone offenses all season. They have a league-high 25.0% strikeout rate on the year, with a 24.8% K rate against right-handed pitching (2nd-highest in MLB). In July, the LAA lineup still has a lofty 24.9% strikeout rate vs. righties. It sets up well for Melton. 

Detroit’s righty has racked up strikeouts in recent starts. He had 9 punchouts against the Athletics last time out and 7 against the Yankees in the start prior. He now has 5+ strikeouts in 6 straight outings, and 6+ in three straight. Since he’s covering or above the 5.5 bar, he should be higher in this matchup. 

• MLB Underdog Fantasy Pick: Troy Melton Higher Than 5.5 Strikeouts

Ben Rice MLB Underdog Fantasy Pick: Higher Than 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI

Ben Rice was among the MLB’s breakout stars before the All-Star break. His 29 home runs and 68 RBI both rank third in the majors, while sporting a .971 OPS as well. Let’s count on the New York Yankees’ first baseman to begin the second half of the season on a high note. 

Roki Sasaki gets the start for the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight. The right-hander brings in a poor 5.33 ERA and 5.58 FIP this year. Sasaki had a good stretch in May, but struggled again in June/July. He has an 8.61 ERA over his last 5 outings. Plus, he has a rough 6.25 ERA across 7 road starts so far. 

As for Rice, the lefty slugger is batting .287 with a 1.041 OPS against right-handed pitchers. He owns a .985 OPS at home this season, too. Rice was also hot before the break, hitting .359 with a 1.351 OPS over his last 11 games. 

• MLB Underdog Fantasy Pick: Ben Rice Higher Than 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI