Javan Shouey
We are nearing the end of August, and the MLB regular season is closing in on its end. With several divisional and wild-card races left to be decided, this final stretch of the MLB season is set to be extremely entertaining. From a betting perspective, there are 2 MLB player prop bets standing out to me today, so let’s dive in! You can also find out our MLB picks for EVERY GAME today.
Andre Pallante (STL) over 1.5 walks allowed (-145)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -160 odds.
Andre Pallante has walked 7.9% of the batters he has faced this season. While that is a middle-of-the-pack mark, that is actually Pallante’s career best walk rate. The right-hander issued walks to 8.8% of batters as a rookie, 9.9% of batters in 2023 and 9.4% of batters last season. His command has always been iffy and this season he has issued multiple walks in 15 of his 24 starts. This includes 6 of his last 9 starts and the last 2 times he has issued 3 free passes. I placed this wager in his start against the Cubs back on August 9, but he allowed too many hits early on in the game that he lasted only 1.2 innings of work, failing to issue that 2nd free pass.
Typically, Pallante has a normal leash for a starter with the ability to work into the high 90s with his pitch count. Miami is not necessarily the league’s most patient lineup when it comes to drawing deep counts and long at-bats, but Pallante has shown a willingness to walk batters regardless of matchup this season. The Marlins have been a more competent unit against right-handed pitching and their overall form since the all-star break has been improved. Look for Pallante to issue 2 or more walks in this matchup.
Read our full Cardinals vs Marlins prediction
JP Sears (SDP) under 2.5 earned runs allowed (-135)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -150 odds.
Starting pitchers for the Athletics had the harsh reality of starting their home games in a hitter-friendly minor league park this season, and JP Sears is one of those starters who really struggled in that setting. Sears posted a 5.48 ERA in his 10 home starts this season, and while his 4.87 mark in 13 road outings isn’t ideal either, I believe we are about to see the best ball of his season right now. San Diego made a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline to bring in Mason Miller alongside Sears, and the team is hoping that these arms can help lead them on a deep postseason run. Sears’ role with the Padres is to eat innings and any production he gives them would be a welcome addition.
JP made his team debut on the road against the Diamondbacks 16 days ago, allowing 10 base hits with 5 earned runs surrendered in that start. While not his best effort, the team allowed him to step away from an MLB setting for a bit to clear his mind. Sears will now face the San Francisco Giants in his new home park. This will be his first start in Petco as a member of the Padres, and the pitcher-friendly park should help turn some of those batted balls into additional outs. San Francisco also isn’t the strongest offensive unit at this point. Look for a solid start from Sears with 5 innings and 2 or fewer earned runs allowed.
Read our full Giants vs Padres prediction
