MLB best bets, strikeout props for Friday 9/22: Lookie, lookie, back this hot rookie

The roller coaster of a week continued Thursday with a 1-2 day in strikeout props to bring our weekly record to 7-5. We've got one last chance to lock in a winning week, so let's do just that with my three favorite K props for Friday's MLB slate.

Pablo Lopez over 8.5 Ks (+120 DraftKings)

Betting an over on a number this high might sound scary, but it'll ease your mind to know how inept the Los Angeles Angels' lineup has been of late. Over the last 15 days, the Angels are batting just .201 as a team with a league-worst 34.1 percent strikeout rate. Pablo Lopez has shown the ability to pop in the strikeout department this year, as he racked up 14 Ks against the New York Mets earlier this month and punched out nine batters in his lone start against the Angels. Let's fade L.A. at plus money.

Framber Valdez under 6.5 Ks (-135 DK)

The Kansas City Royals have not been a good offensive team this season, but they've been able to string together a few hot streaks along the way. One of those hot streaks is happening right now, as the Royals have scored 5.7 runs per game and have the lowest strikeout rate in MLB (19.1 percent) over the last week. Framber Valdez faced KC in his most recent start and finished with only five strikeouts in seven innings. He's also gone under 6.5 Ks in seven of his last eight starts. 

Sawyer Gipson-Long over 5.5 Ks (-120 DK)

Sawyer Gipson-Long is a new face on the scene with only two MLB starts under his belt, so sportsbooks aren't privy to his strikeout ability yet. In 19 minor-league starts this year, Gipson-Long averaged 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings, which would be the fourth-best mark in MLB this season. The 25-year-old has fanned 16 batters over his first two professional starts, and his workload is only going to increase on Friday night. The Oakland Athletics have a 31.8 percent strikeout rate over the last 15 days, so this is a good spot for another strong performance from the rookie.