MLB best bets, strikeout props for Friday 9/1: Scherzer to bring Max profit

Coming off a 3-0 sweep on Thursday night, we're now 7-5 in strikeout props on the week and on pace for a third straight week in the green. Let's make that happen with my three favorite K props for Friday's MLB slate. 

Carlos Rodon under 5.5 Ks (-128 FanDuel)

It didn't take long to realize this prop is one strikeout too high. The Yankees' Carlos Rodon has gone over 5.5 Ks only twice in eight starts this season. The biggest reason why the left-hander has been unable to rack up a bunch of strikeouts is that he doesn't go deep in games. Rodon has cleared 90 pitches just twice this year, and he's made it through six full innings only once. That won't be enough time for him to go over this prop against the Houston Astros, who have the lowest strikeout rate in MLB over the last 15 days (17.76 percent). Take the under.

Max Scherzer over 8.5 Ks (-112 FD)

Since being traded to the Texas Rangers a month ago, Max Scherzer is 3-1 and has lowered his ERA from 4.01 to 3.71. The eight-time All-Star has also gone over 8.5 strikeouts in three of his five starts with his new team. Now he gets to face a Minnesota Twins lineup that's recorded an abysmal strikeout rate of 32.93 percent over the last two weeks. Scherzer struck out 10 Twins in his most recent start, and there's no reason why he can't repeat that performance Friday. 

Julio Urias under 5.5 Ks (-135 DraftKings)

Julio Urias is on a quiet hot streak with 36 strikeouts and two shutouts over the last five starts, but nothing stops hit streaks in their tracks like a date with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves have a 19.56 percent strikeout rate over the last two weeks, and they also have the highest batting average (.295) and highest OPS (.893) in MLB against lefties. Urias may not last very long against the most dominant lineup in the league.