Best MLB Prop Bets Today | MLB Player Props August 23

In today’s MLB prop bets, we look at several games involving teams in playoff races. From National League Wild Card contenders to postseason contenders from the AL East, these props can not only earn bettors some winnings, they could have a huge impact on the hunt for October as well.

Cincinnati Reds vs Los Angeles Angels

My Pick: Shohei Ohtani to record the win (+130 at PointsBet)

First up in our MLB prop bets for Wednesday is Shohei Ohtani to pick up the win when the Cincinnati Reds face the Los Angeles Angels. The Reds are in need of some wins if they want to keep their Wild Card hopes alive. But the situational spot for this game makes backing Ohtani to grab the win a smart maneuver as the Angels host two games against the Reds on Wednesday.

With this game being the first leg of a doubleheader on Wednesday, the Angels will want Ohtani to go deep into this contest. That would save the bullpen for the second game, giving them a huge edge over the Reds if things were to pan out that way. If Ohtani does go deep into this contest, that would increase his chances of picking up the win at a plus price in this matchup.

Along with the need to preserve the bullpen on Wednesday, there is also the fact that Ohtani is just a terrific starting pitcher. He is 10-5 on the season with a 3.17 ERA, while also leading his team in home runs. Even if there wasn’t a second game to consider here, Ohtani could still grab the win, but he becomes even more likely to do so in the first game of this twin bill.

Toronto Blue Jays vs Baltimore Orioles

My Pick: Kevin Gausman over 17.5 outs recorded (-110 at DraftKings)

Kevin Gausman is one of three pitchers still in the thick of the race for the AL Cy Young award at this point in time. He has some work to do if he wants to get the better of Gerrit Cole and Luis Castillo for that award. On Wednesday, Gausman gets the start against the Baltimore Orioles, and we like Gausman to keep himself in the Cy Young hunt by recording 18 or more outs in this AL East game.

The first thing to be aware of when betting on this prop is what exactly you are betting on. Betting on this total is more or less asking whether a pitcher will complete six full innings on the mound, as 17 or fewer outs would mean failure to finish the sixth inning. Fortunately, Gausman has been very good at completing at least six innings on the mound this season.

From the beginning of June to now, Gausman has made 13 starts for the Blue Jays. In those 13 starts, he went at least six innings and recorded at least 18 outs in nine of them, failing to do so in just four. While Gausman does face a potent Orioles offense in this game, he should still be able to reach the 18-out mark to cash this prop bet for us without all that much trouble.

Miami Marlins vs San Diego Padres

My Pick: Padres to win first five innings (-110 at DraftKings)

The San Diego Padres have had a terrible bullpen throughout this season, blowing leads that have cost them in the National League playoff race. But thanks to the prop betting markets that are available, we can bet on the Padres without having to worry too much about the bullpen. Here, we will bet on the Padres to come out ahead in the first five innings of play against the Miami Marlins.

Early in this game, the Padres should have the advantage at the plate, as they face Sandy Alcantara of Miami. Alcantara has been horrible for most of this year, going 6-10 with a 4.11 ERA. The Padres and their potent lineup should be able to put some early pressure on Alcantara and prolong his misery this season by getting on the scoreboard throughout the opening five innings of play.

Meanwhile, Seth Lugo has put up better individual numbers this season and could lead the Padres to another early lead. Even if the bullpen ends up giving that lead-up in the final innings of play, expect the Padres to lead heading into the sixth.

See different MLB betting sites for more betting opportunities!