While there is not a full slate today, several aces get the ball today, including Cole Ragans. Two other starting pitchers I will be targeting today are Chris Paddack and Tyler Anderson.
Let's dive into my MLB player prop picks for Thursday, April 24
MLB Prop Picks — April 24
- Chris Paddack Over 1.5 Walks (+105, DraftKings)
- Cole Ragans Over 8.5 Strikeouts (- 150, DraftKings)
- Tyler Anderson Under 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed (-130, DraftKings)
White Sox vs Twins Player Props: Paddack Faces Patient Lineup
After the season the White Sox had last year, and the start they have gotten off to this year, you would expect that getting your first start against them may lead to a quality outing.
However, that certainly was not the case for Chris Paddack.
On March 31st against the hapless Southsiders, Paddack allowed nine earned runs on six hits and four walks across just 3 1/3 innings.
Paddack carries a 7.27 ERA entering this start, but he has allowed just two earned runs across 10 innings over his last two starts.
Ironically, I want him to pitch well today because it will give him a longer leash and more opportunities for free passes. He's issued nine walks in 17 1/3 innings this year, so I think he'll issue two or more on Thursday if he works five or six frames.
The White Sox rank ninth among MLB lineups in walk rate against right-handed pitchers this season. Paddack issued two walks in five innings against them last July, giving him six walks in his past two starts against them.
Paddack has cleared two walks in three of his first four starts this year, and I'm banking on that trend continuing.
Rockies vs Royals Player Props: Ragans Eyes Another Strikeout Surge
Cole Ragans ranks fifth among MLB pitchers in strikeouts (42). He posted double-digit strikeouts in three consecutive starts. While he didn't hit the 10-strikeout mark in his most recent outing, he still punched out eight across four innings.
Even at 8.5, the over is a great look.
The Rockies boast MLB's second-highest strikeout rate against southpaws this year. Seven of the hitters Ragans will face today have a strikeout rate of more than 20% against left-handed pitchers.
The Rox are particularly vulnerable away from the friendly confines of Coors Field, where they have 142 strikeouts across 13 road games.
Today's game is also the first of a doubleheader, as Wednesday's game was postponed. Manager Matt Quatraro will be inclined to keep his ace on the mound to preserve his bullpen for game two. I don't expect the Rockies to score much against him, so that should allow him to work deep and rack up Ks.
He posted eight punchouts across seven innings at Coors Field last season, allowing only two runs. He should clear that number in good form back on his home mound.
Pirates vs Angels Player Props: Anderson Aims to Stay Sharp
The Pirates have taken the first two games in Anaheim.
However, they have scored three runs or fewer in nine of their past 14 games, including last night. They rank 24th among MLB lineups in runs scored on the year, and it'll be tough to buck that trend against the surging Tyler Anderson.
The veteran left-hander hasn't allowed a run in either of his past two starts, working 11 2/3 scoreless innings while scattering four hits and striking out 12. Overall, he has stayed under this line in three of his first four starts this season.
Anderson enters this start with a 2.08 ERA, partially because of his success, but also because he doesn't work that deep into his starts.
His longest outing thus far came in his last start when he went six innings against the Giants. His other three stayed under 5 2/3. While that is not uncommon in April for starters, he has walked two batters in all four starts and four in two of them. Thus far, he has done a nice job working out of trouble.
However, if his pitch count does elevate on Thursday, he could still stay under this line with two earned runs in five innings or so.
