Today’s MLB Prop Picks and Best Bets: The J-Rod Show Takes Centerstage in Seattle

Prop bet #1: Welcome to the J-Rod show

There might not be a hotter hitter in the majors right now than Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Last year's AL Rookie of the Year has been even better this season and is leading the team with 258 total bases while slugging .482.

J-Rod's been on a tear over his last 20 games, slashing .473/.520/.813 with seven dingers and 10 doubles. While most hitters underperform at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park, Rodriguez continues to excel at home and will have the platoon advantage against Oakland Athletics starter Ken Waldichuk today.

The lefty has pitched to an ugly 6.05 ERA with a 1.67 WHIP in 110 innings this year and has been even worse on the road, entering tonight with a 7.43 ERA and an OBA of .303 away from home. The A's pitching situation doesn't get any better following Waldichuk, as their bullpen ranks dead-last in the majors in ERA (5.40) and WHIP (1.53).

Expect Rodriguez's tear at the plate to continue tonight against Oakland's weak pitching. 

Julio Rodriguez prop: Over 1.5 total bases (+105)

Prop bet #2: Plate discipline prevails

The Over/Under on Andrew Heaney's strikeouts total is set at 5.5 tonight, which is simply too high when you consider his track record this season. The Texas Rangers starter has gone above this number just once in his last nine starts and only three times in his previous 17 contests. 

Heady boasted had an impressive strikeout rate of 35.5% last year, but that number has dipped to 24.1% this season. The New York Mets have struggled at the dish this year but they don't strike out a ton — ranking ninth in the majors in strikeout rate, sixth in whiff rate, and fifth in chase rate. 

Andrew Heaney prop: Under 5.5 strikeouts (-125)

Prop bet #3: Bonjour!

Houston Astros right-hander J.P. France is coming off a nightmare performance against the Boston Red Sox last week, surrendering 10 runs before getting yanked midway through the third inning. However, given his long-term production this year, oddsmakers might be showing recency bias when setting his player props for tonight's rematch against Boston.

The Over/Under for France's earned runs allowed is set at 3.5 with the Under at -140. Before last week's ugly start, France hadn't allowed more than three earned runs in his previous 13 contests — pitching to a 2.33 ERA during that span.

The right-hander has been especially consistent when it comes to pitching deep in games and he has logged at least six full innings in 12 of his last 14 starts. Expect a bounce-back performance from France and take the Over 17.5 on his outs prop.

J.P. France prop: Over 17.5 outs (-111)