Matt Olson and Jac Caglianone are both left-handed sluggers that I like backing tonight. However, let's begin in Tampa Bay, where Shane McClanahan will be making his return to the Rays' rotation.
My MLB player props for Monday, August 17 are below, but before you make your first trade, be sure to use our Kalshi promo code.
MLB Player Props Today
- Shane McClanahan Under 12.5 Outs (6:05 p.m. ET)
- Matt Olson Over 1.5 Total Bases (7:40 p.m. ET)
- Jac Caglianone Over 1.5 Total Bases (7:40 p.m. ET)
Orioles vs Rays Pick: Shane McClanahan Under 12.5 Outs
The Rays have best home record in baseball, but were 24-28 on the road until they swept a nine-game road trip. However, since coming back home, they have dropped three straight games against the Orioles and are in danger of getting swept. Today, they turn to McClanahan to get back on track.
McClanahan is coming off the Injured List and making his first start since July 30th. In his most-recent rehab start, he pitched two innings and threw 30 pitches. To go over this outs line, he would need to work into the fifth inning, which may be further than he's capable of at the moment. One long, taxing inning would certainly help us in this spot.
Additionally, manager Kevin Cash and the Rays' front office have typically been cautious with their starters' workload.
Pick: Shane McClanahan Under 12.5 Outs
Braves vs Twins Prop: Matt Olson Over 1.5 Total Bases
Yesterday, Olson's three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh propelled the Braves to a 5-3 victory over the Diamondbacks. It was his 36th home run of the year and he is tied for second in the league.
He is also tied for the MLB lead with six home runs over the past two weeks and a seventh may be in the cards tonight. Twins right-hander Bailey Ober has a 4.64 ERA and has allowed three runs or more in each of his past three starts.
Against left-handed hitters, Ober has just a 12% strikeout rate and has allowed 15 doubles, 12 home runs, and a .764 OPS. In his past three starts, he has faced 39 left-handed hitters and hasn't struck out a single one. Now, he has to deal with Olson, who has been hot of late and is 2-for-2 (a double and a homer) with five RBI against Ober. Olson has recorded a hit in seven of his past 10 games and recorded at least two total bases in six of those games.
Pick: Matt Olson Over 1.5 Total Bases
Athletics vs Royals Prop: Jac Caglianone Over 1.5 Total Bases
The 2024 MLB Draft already looks to be one of the best classes in recent memory. Thirteen first-round picks have already made their debuts and some have already established themselves among the game's best. After a rough debut season, Caglianone is cementing himself among that group.
Since June 1st, the 23-year-old is slashing .298/.341/.571 with 12 doubles, a triple, and 17 of his 22 home runs on the season. In August, he is hitting .407 with five home runs, 18 RBI, and a 1.188 OPS. While this season has been a massive disappointment for the Royals, Caglianone's emergence gives them a potent lefty/righty duo with him and franchise stalwart Bobby Witt Jr.
The Royals will face A's right-hander Mason Barnett, who they have been trying to stretch out as they need innings to get through the regular season. However, Barnett has struggled, and has a 6.16 ERA on the season and a 9.53 ERA since the beginning of July.
Caglianone has collected 32 of his 47 extra-base hits against right-handed pitchers and also has better splits both at home and in night games. Caglianone has a hit in 15 of his past 17 games, and has at least two total bases in 10 of those games.
Pick: Jac Caglianone Over 1.5 Total Bases
