We've got another packed Saturday on the diamond with 16 games on the MLB odds board.
With plenty of struggling starters taking to the mound today, I'm backing a pair of hitters who've been among the best in the majors for years while also putting my money on a veteran hurler who seems to have turned his season around. Here are my best free MLB player prop picks for August 12.
MLB props for August 12
- Matz Under 2.5 earned runs
- Altuve Over 0.5 runs
- Betts Over 1.5 total bases
Picks made on August 12 at 12:20 p.m. ET.
Read full analysis of each pick.
Best MLB bonuses
Looking to bet on some MLB action? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) Get one 25% profit boost to use on any bet this weekend at Caesars! Opt-in Now
B) Get a profit boost up to 100% on one MLB SGP at DraftKings! Opt-in Now
*Eligible USA locations only. Also, check out our full list of best promo codes for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Best MLB bets today
Prop bet #1: Steven gets even better
Steven Matz is finally looking like he might live up to that four-year, $44 million deal he signed before last season.
After struggling in his first year with the Cardinals he got off to another ugly start this season which saw him get demoted to the bullpen. However, after earning his way back into the rotation on July 9, he's posted a sizzling 1.65 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP and an OBA of .191 across six starts.
Today, Matz and the Cardinals take on a Kansas City lineup that ranks 28th in the majors in scoring with 3.95 runs per game. The Royals have been hitting better lately, but they still rank a modest 20th in OPS (.700) against southpaws like Matz.
With Matz allowing fewer than two runs in five of his last six starts, take the Under 2.5 on his earned runs allowed tonight.
Steven Matz prop: Under 2.5 earned runs (-127)
Prop bet #2: Altuve leaps on the lefty
The Astros are hosting the Angels in an NL West showdown tonight. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve has been on fire lately, slashing .386/.485/.675 over his last 21 games.
With the rest of Houston's lineup also hitting well lately, Altuve hasn't just been getting on base, but he's been scoring at an absurd rate as well. The three-time AL batting champ has plated at least one run in 18 of those 21 contests (85.7%), and he is in a good spot to score again today.
The Angels are starting southpaw Tyler Anderson, who has a 4.92 ERA with an expected ERA of 4.78 through 19 starts. Anderson has struggled with the platoon disadvantage, posting an OBA of .281 against right-handed hitters. He also has a high walk rate.
If Altuve is able to get on base against Anderson or a subpar Halos bullpen, there's a strong chance he'll get on the scoreboard as well.
Jose Altuve prop: Over 0.5 runs (-120)
Prop bet #3: Good, better, Betts
Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is putting together another sensational season and ranks fifth in the majors in OPS (.967) and total bases (249).
The five-time Silver Slugger winner has excelled at home, where he slashes .320/.420/.660. He has also been red-hot this month, batting .364 and slugging .750 with four dingers and five doubles through 11 games.
The Dodgers host the Rockies tonight, and Colorado is sending Peter Lambert to the mound. Lambert sits in the Bottom 20th percentile in hard hit rate and barrel rate, and has surrendered nine runs in eight innings this month.
With Betts projected to pick up 2.8 total bases tonight according to most online models, bet the Over 1.5.
Mookie Betts prop: Over 1.5 total bases (-105)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
