Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Ken Waldichuk. D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

MLB best bets, strikeout props for Tuesday 9/5

With one unexpected scratch on Monday night, we went 1-1 in strikeout props to start the week. No harm, no foul. Let's aim for a winning night with my three favorite K props for Tuesday's MLB slate.

Connor Phillips over 4.5 Ks (+102 FanDuel)

Welcome to the big leagues, Connor Phillips. Oh, and welcome to the strikeout prop column, too.

Phillips, the Cincinnati Reds' fourth-ranked prospect, will make his MLB debut Tuesday night, and he couldn't have asked for a much better matchup. The Seattle Mariners have the second-highest strikeout rate in the league this year (29.43 percent), and they've been even worse lately with a 34.76 strikeout rate over the last week. Phillips recorded double-digit strikeouts in five minor league starts this year, so you know this kid can spin it.

Ken Waldichuk under 4.5 Ks (-104 FD)

I gave out the under on Ken Waldichuk's strikeout prop yesterday, but he was scratched after the pick went live. Well, the left-hander is scheduled to start Tuesday night, so let's try this again. 

The Toronto Blue Jays lead MLB in batting average (.331) and OPS (.958) over the last week, and they've recorded a 17.68 percent strikeout rate in that span. Meanwhile, Waldichuk has gone under 4.5 Ks in three of his last four starts, and he gave up six earned runs in 2.1 innings the last time he faced this Blue Jays lineup. Let's hope he actually starts this time.

Michael Lorenzen under 4.5 Ks (-120 DraftKings)

It's been a bit of a struggle for Michael Lorenzen since he tossed a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals last month. Over his last three starts, the Philadelphia Phillies right-hander has given up 24 hits and 13 earned runs. He also totaled just 10 strikeouts over those three starts. 

Lorenzen hasn't been much of a swing-and-miss pitcher all season, and I think he'll have a tough time clearing this number against a San Diego Padres lineup that's racked up 24 runs over their last four games. 

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