MLB strikeout props provide prime value

MLB is likely to take center stage for much of our summer, and we want to serve you up betting looks at a variety of markets. Shout-out to Mike Trout and Kyle Schwarber for hitting homers yesterday to celebrate Dinger Tuesday! Today, we'll highlight the strikeout prop market.

Zack Greinke over 2.5 Ks (-125) - The 38-year-old Greinke is still going for the Kansas City Royals, and he headlines our first play of the day, with Kansas City hosting Texas early this afternoon. We've got a very modest line on Greinke to exceed 2.5 Ks, a feat he's accomplished in five of his past six starts. Texas has struggled against RHP this season, striking out at the 10th-highest rate this season. Greinke started five games against the Rangers last year, striking them out four or more times in four of five. Today, we need just a three, and that's a bet we like making.

Sandy Alcantara over 5.5 Ks (-110) - Speaking of success against today's opponent, Sandy Alcantara has had St. Louis' number in his past three starts. In his last three games against the Cardinals, Alcantara is averaging 7.7 Ks per game, going over this 5.5 line each time. Alcantara has gone over today's line in five of his last seven overall and has had a solid base of strikeouts this season. He's gone under five total Ks just twice all year.

German Marquez over 3.5 Ks (-150) - This one is a bit juiced, but we still like it. Marquez has had some really solid outings this season for Colorado, going over 3.5 strikeouts in eight of his past 10 games. The Dodgers have been striking out more often against RHP of late, with the 12th-highest K percentage vs. righties in their last 30 games. Marquez struck out five Dodgers at the beginning of the season, and we like him to do it again tonight.

In other news ...

Serena Williams loses in a grueling first-round match - We here at Bark Bets believe it's best to both be loud for our wins and our losses, so it's time to acknowledge a big swing and a miss from Wimbledon. Tennis legend Serena Williams had a back-and-forth battle, losing in the first round to Harmony Tan in a three-hour, 10-minute match. We liked the narrative behind Williams returning and winning Wimbledon, but it won't be this year. Iga Swiatek is the favorite to win at +140, followed by Ons Jabeur at +550.

New York Knicks preparing for Jalen Brunson - It certainly appears that the Knicks are making moves to get Jalen Brunson in the building. New York traded Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks to the Detroit Pistons, creating $19 million in salary cap space. The Knicks plan to offer Mavericks guard Brunson a near-max contract. While Brunson had a strong end to the season, that's quite the contract. We don't love what it does for the Knicks long term and will be fading their win total when it becomes available.
 
Terry McLaurin signs massive extension with Washington Commanders - Another wide receiver contact has been finalized, with Washington and Terry McLaurin agreeing to a three-year extension. The $28 million signing bonus is the largest ever given to a WR, the latest in an offseason full of big contracts handed out to pass catchers such as Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and AJ Brown. One has to wonder what Deebo Samuel is thinking as he awaits a new contract or a trade from San Francisco. If you believe this new contract will unlock a new level from McLaurin, you can bet him to lead the league in receiving yards at +4000.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll