MLB Player Props: Best bet for pitchers

Multiple times each week, resident action seeker Brad Evans will attempt to take the ‘books yard on his favorite MLB prop bets. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — that’s up to you.

Friday, July 19 — SGP: Gerrit Cole 6+ strikeouts, Juan Soto hit, Rays-Yankees UNDER 11.5 total runs (+160, Caesars w/boost)

• Ceasars Offer: Up to $1000 Back in Bonus Bets

With Ingrid Andress’ ear-rattling National Anthem, Teoscar Hernandez’s Home Run Derby bombs and Jarren Duran’s All-Star Game heroics in the rearview mirror, baseball is ready to resume.

MLB’s stretch run should crank the drama. Just look at the divisional and wild-card standings. Realistically, only five teams are truly out of the playoff race. Heck, even the hapless Nationals, who are just six games out of improbably reaching the postseason, have more than a puncher’s chance.

Buckle up, gamers. The twists and turns should leave head salads tossed — well, for those of you who actually possess glorious locks. To those who do, this follicle-challenged individual is envious.

[ MLB Props: Best bet for hitters ]

Examining the races, the American League East could come down to September's final days. It’s a three-horse sprint between the Orioles, Yankees and Red Sox. Even the Rays and Blue Jays, though double-digits behind current pacesetter Baltimore, could reenter the picture with a second-half surge.

With the scene set, here’s a breakdown of SGP legs in Rays-Yankees.

Gerrit Cole 6+ strikeouts. Right before the All-Star break, vintage Cole returned. On July 12 against the Orioles, he logged his first six-inning start of the year, allowing just an earned run on five hits while striking out seven. Most noticeably, his 106 pitches were a season high. Against a Tampa Bay club that ranks No. 13 in K percentage this month (23.4%), the Yankees right-hander should generate the whiffs required. His K/9 (10.03) and called plus swinging strike percentage (28.1) through five starts are pacing higher than what he posted last year.

Juan Soto hit. The Yankees right fielder has stepped into the box 37 times against right-hander Zach Eflin, the Rays’ starter on Friday. In those staredowns, the Bronx Bomber has smacked 14 hits for a .452 average and 1.255 OPS. Yes, Soto has mostly underachieved in July, hitting only .250. Still, he recorded a base knock or more in four of five games before the break. Given the history and rest, he should collect at least one hit. Keep in mind Eflin has a 5.37 ERA on the road this season.

Rays-Yankees UNDER 11.5 total runs. Playing the numbers, this game has 3-2 or 4-3 written all over it. In three career starts at Yankee Stadium, Eflin has a sparkling 2.00 ERA. Meanwhile, over 116 2/3 career innings against Tampa Bay, Cole sports a 3.55 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and .174 BAA. Throw in the fact that both clubs rank outside the top 15 in wRC+ this month, and the odds on the alt under hitting increase. The beauty of adding this leg? Synching with the Soto hit confuses the algo and jacks the juice. Yes, please.

Pitcher Prop season record: 34-45, -3.33 units