It’s a light day of action on the diamond, but that doesn’t mean there's no shortage of baseball betting value, particularly when it comes to MLB player props.
The MLB odds are chock full of great bets all day long, including a Washington Nationals rookie having a tough time against Texas, and Houston Astros slugger Kyle Tucker staying red-hot against Cleveland.
Here are my favorite MLB picks for Thursday, May 2.
MLB props for May 2
- Short Under 0.5 hits (+107 at BetRivers)
- Parker Over 1.5 walks (+100 at DraftKings)
- Tucker Over 1.5 total bases (+110 at bet365)
Picks made on 5-2 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Read full analysis of each pick.
Best MLB bonuses
All Users
Instant payout for MLB moneylines
If your team goes up by 5+! Claim Now
See our bet365 sportsbook review
New Users
Get a no-sweat first bet
Up to $1,500! Claim Now
See our BetMGM sportsbook review
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2024.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Best MLB bets today
Prop bet #1: Too short
Infielder Zack Short makes his Boston Red Sox debut as he starts at second base in today’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants.
The Red Sox were hurting for infield depth following the Trevor Story injury, so Short was acquired from the Mets for cash yesterday.
The little-used utility man made just three starts for the Mets prior to the trade and is known more for his glove than his bat. Short has just one hit in 12 plate appearances this season, sporting a .147 expected batting average and a strikeout rate approaching 30%.
Short will hit in the 9-spot this afternoon against Giants rookie Kyle Harrison. The left-hander has been a solid addition to the San Francisco rotation, recording a quality start in four of his six starts this season while pitching to a 3.90 expected ERA.
Short is also likely to be pinch-hit for later on in the game, which makes the Under 0.5 hits at even money a solid bet.
Zack Short prop: Under 0.5 hits (+107 at BetRivers)
Prop bet #2: Mitchy free passes
The Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers play the rubber match of their three-game series on Thursday afternoon at Globe Life Field.
Trevor Williams and the Nationals bullpen were able to silence the booming Rangers bats in a 1-0 win yesterday, however, the odds are not in favor of today’s starter Mitchell Parker being able to pull off the same feat.
Although Parker is one of the Nats' top prospects, the 24-year-old started to show some rookie tendencies in his last appearance, allowing six hits and two walks in four innings against a sub-par Miami team.
Despite a bit of a slow start at the plate, Texas boasts one of baseball's deepest and most dangerous lineups. The Rangers are also a fairly patient team at the plate, ranking 12th in strikeout-to-walk ratio, and I like them to work some counts against the young Nats’ starter.
At even money or better, Over 1.5 walks for Parker is a fantastic wager to tail.
Mitchell Parker prop: Over 1.5 walks (+100 at DraftKings)
Prop bet #3: King Tuck
Kyle Tucker is someone you can’t blame for the Houston Astros' disastrous start. The All-Star outfielder continues to rake at the plate with hits in 11 of his last 12 games, good for a .364 average and a 1.176 OPS. That includes three doubles, four dingers, and eight RBI.
Tucker has gone Over 1.5 total bases nine times over that stretch, and we are getting good value on the lefty slugger when he faces Cleveland Guardians starter Logan Allen. The Astros slugger crushes lefties, hitting .341 with a 1.147 OPS when digging in against them this season.
Meanwhile, Allen owns a 4.38 expected ERA and is surrendering a .250 opponent expected batting average — both well below the league average.
Our Covers Prop Projections have Tucker at 1.9 total bases tonight. Back him to stay hot.
Kyle Tucker prop: Over 1.5 total bases (+110 at bet365)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
