Here’s some Pick ‘Em plays our team is looking at for today’s MLB slate!

Writer’s Record: 85-65-7 (+9.75 Units)

PrizePicks

Zac Gallen OVER 5.5 Pitcher Strikeouts

While Gallen’s odds for the NL Cy Young have dropped considerably, his performances at home have not been the reason why. Since the All-Star break, Gallen has made three starts at home and has averaged nine strikeouts per start. Over the season, Gallen’s home record is 11-1 in 13 starts with a 1.79 ERA while averaging eight strikeouts a game. His road record is 3-5 over 15 starts with a 4.81 ERA while averaging only five strikeouts per game.

Michael King UNDER 3.5 Hits Allowed

Michael King will be operating as an opener for the Yankees, who have won the first two games of this series. King has made his opinion known that he would like to move into the Yankees’ rotation permanently, but to do that he’ll have to have a strong outing at Minute Maid Park. His leash will be short so it’s possible that when he gives up a few hits, he’ll be pulled. King made two appearances against the Astros when they made their way to the Bronx. He allowed two hits over three combined innings.

Underdog Fantasy

Shohei Ohtani OVER 0.5 Runs

In nine games against the A’s this season, Ohtani has scored seven runs. He scored one on Friday and despite not scoring a run on Saturday, he got walked three times. Kyle Muller is on the mound for the A’s with a 7.67 ERA. We should be seeing high traffic on the base path for the Angels in this game. Ohtani ranks third in OBP this season behind only Ronald Acuna and Freddie Freeman.

Xzavion Curry OVER 5.0 Hits Allowed

By necessity, Xzavion Curry has had to work a little bit longer for the Guardians than his performances might warrant. He has given up at least five hits in each of his last four starts. He would have given up more if he could make it past the second inning. The Rays will be trying to avoid the sweep in today’s matchup against a guy who they crushed on August 11th to the tune of five runs on six hits.

Thrive Fantasy

Cristian Javier OVER 3.5 Total Ks

Cristian Javier has not been that effective this season and his K/9 is the lowest in his career. That said, this number is on the lower end and the Yankees have a number of guys that strike out at an above average rate. Over the last 15 days, the Yankees rank third in total strikeouts. Javier has eclipsed 100 pitches in four out of his last five starts, which is welcomed to anyone taking the over on his Ks.

DJ LeMahieu OVER 1.5 Total HITs + RBIs

We saw DJ LeMahieu hit a leadoff home run in the first at bat of this series for the visiting Yankees. Cristian Javier had a brutal August in which he allowed 17 runs over 23 innings. LeMahieu’s August was actually pretty decent by the low standards of the 2023 Yankees. He hit .291 in the month. According to reports, there seems to be a renewed youthful energy in the clubhouse and they are clearly up for this series. The Yankees will be going for the sweep in primetime.