We finished the weekend strong, going 6-3 overall. However, with many series wrapping around into Monday, we have more starting pitchers to capitalize on.
So, with that said, let's dive into our top MLB player props for Monday, July 22.
MLB Player Props: Monday, July 22
- Reynaldo Lopez Under 6.5 Strikeouts (-155, bet365)
- Tobias Myers Under 5.5 Strikeouts (-165, DraftKings)
- Tanner Houck Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-141, BetRivers)
Reynaldo Lopez has finally reached his potential this season with Atlanta. The 30-year-old right-hander has been dominant in 17 starts, posting a 1.88 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.
However, he's had eight days off since his last outing and has a Reds team that has been seeing the ball well of late. Over the past 15 days, the Cincinnati Reds are second in wRC+ and 16th in strikeout rate against righties.
Both those marks are significant improvements on their season-long numbers, making them a tougher assignment for Lopez, who may have some rust coming off a long layoff.
Additionally, Lopez's strikeout total does not account for the Reds' current form. It is set too high, even for a matchup like this. Lopez has gone under this total in 71 percent of his 17 starts.
That hit rate gives us implied odds of -245, which is excellent value on the current price.
Next, we head to Chicago, where Tobias Myers is set to take the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers. Myers has been solid for the Brewers this season and closed out the first half with eight shutout innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
However, that start was 12 days ago, and now he must build new momentum against the Chicago Cubs, a team he's faced twice already this season. Myers has had two very different results when facing the Cubs this season.
His first outing was rough. He only lasted three innings, giving up four runs, walking four batters, and only striking out two. The second outing was much better as he recorded a quality start while striking out six.
Although, much like the matchup above, the Cubs come into this matchup in solid form. They are tenth in wRC+ and 24th in strikeout rate against righties over the last 15 days of the season.
With Myers having gone under this strikeout total in ten of his fourteen starts, the odds of him going over in his third meeting with the Cubs are slim.
Our last stop will be in Coors Field, where Tanner Houck will toe the slab against the Colorado Rockies. Houck has put it all together this season for the Red Sox, as he's been spectacular through 19 starts.
Houck should have no problem picking up where he left off tonight against the Rockies. Colorado ranks 29th in wRC+ against righties on the season and holds the highest strikeout rate against them over the past 15 days.
It should be noted that we should see some regression from Houck in the second half, but it won't begin tonight. Houck's proven to be a workhorse this year, having gone at least six innings in 74 percent of his 19 starts.
All signs point to him improving that hit rate tonight.
