There have already been plenty of names on the move, with more to come before the 6 PM MLB trade deadline. However, there is still an eight-game slate tonight. Three players that I have my eye on tonight are Aaron Nola, Brice Turang, and Jake McCarthy.
Let's dive into my MLB player props for Monday, August 3.
MLB Player Props Today
- Aaron Nola Under 17.5 Outs Recorded (-150, BetMGM)
- Brice Turang Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + Runs Batted In (-123, DraftKings)
- Jake McCarthy Over 1.5 Total Bases (-103, DraftKings)
Nationals vs Phillies Player Prop
After posting a 6.01 ERA last season, Nola has not fared much better this season, entering this start with a 5.61 ERA. He is coming off a solid start last time out against the Marlins, allowing five hits and one earned run in 5 and 2/3 innings. However, he still finished one out shy of a quality start.
Nola has recorded six quality starts this season, the only six times he has completed six innings in 22 starts. He is averaging 89.8 pitches per start this season, his fewest since 2016 and five below his career average. Nola has gone five innings in just two of his last 10 starts, some because of his struggles and others so he would not face the lineup a third time.
One of those starts was against the Nationals when he worked five innings and allowed two earned runs. The Nationals lead the MLB in runs scored, even though they have slowed down a bit since trading a couple of bats. Still, Nola has recorded 18 outs in just three of his last eight starts against the Nationals. With the line at 17.5 tonight, I like him to stay under again.
Pick: Aaron Nola Under 17.5 Outs Recorded (-150, BetMGM)
Pirates vs Brewers Player Prop
The Brewers suffered a surprising loss to end their road trip as they were shut down by Walbert Urena. Despite the loss, Turang recorded a hit for the ninth time in 10 games. He has recorded two hits, runs, and runs batted in seven times in that span, averaging 2.6 per game in that span.
Over the last two weeks, he is hitting .327 with two doubles, two home runs, nine runs batted in, five runs scored, and an .890 OPS. He has a good matchup to continue that, as Bubba Chandler will start for the Pirates. The 23-year-old has largely struggled with walks (57 in 104 and 2/3 innings), but he has been hit more by left-handers. Of the 34 extra-base hits he has allowed, 25 have been to left-handed hitters, along with a .781 OPS compared to .610 against right-handed hitters.
Turang is 3-for-6 with a double and four RBI against him. While he has not been walked by him yet, he would also stand to benefit if Chandler walks him and then he comes around to score.
Pick: Brice Turang Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + Runs Batted In (-123, DraftKings)
Rays vs Rockies Player Prop
When a left-handed pitcher faces a left-handed hitter, it is usually an advantage to the pitcher, with left-handed hitters far more likely to be platooned. However, McCarthy may have the edge against Ian Seymour tonight. He is hitting .345 against left-handed pitchers with 11 extra-base hits in 87 at-bats. Yesterday, he homered off Royals' left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer.
Meanwhile, Seymour has held right-handed hitters to a .188 batting average, but left-handed hitters are hitting .248 with eight home runs and a .859 OPS. He has also struggled away from Tampa, with a 5.63 road ERA, and now gets the Coors Field assignment. He is listed as a starter tonight, but it would not be a surprise if he is brought in as the bulk reliever.
If that is the case, I still like McCarthy for an at-bat or two against a right-hander as he handles them just fine. He is also hitting .313 at home and has a hit in nine of his last 10 home games. He has also recorded two total bases at a 60% clip at home and in five of his last six home games.
Pick: Jake McCarthy Over 1.5 Total Bases (-103, DraftKings)
MLB Player Props for Monday, August 3
- Aaron Nola Under 17.5 Outs Recorded (-150, BetMGM)
- Brice Turang Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + Runs Batted In (-123, DraftKings)
- Jake McCarthy Over 1.5 Total Bases (-103, DraftKings)
