The MLB action is plentiful tonight. As a result, the Underdog Fantasy MLB pick ’em lobby is popping. There are many enticing player props. However, the AL West had several standout props. There are four featured player props for AL West players in this piece. Furthermore, the other player prop is for a player opposing an AL West club. The picks are also hitter-leaning tonight, with only one pitcher prop making the cut.
Get 100% Deposit Match up to $100 at Underdog 
Friday’s Top Underdog Fantasy MLB Pick ‘Em Picks
Charlie Blackmon: Hits + Runs + RBIs – Lower
Blackmon has a surprisingly good batting average in same-handed matchups on the road. According to FanGraphs, the veteran outfielder has a .333 batting average in 18 plate appearances against lefties on the road this year. In addition, he’s had a .291 batting average in 147 plate appearances against southpaws on the road since 2021.
Still, even with the stellar average, Blackmon has had only 37 hits, 11 runs and 21 RBI in 78 lefties on the road since 2021. The matchup is also challenging. Martin Perez has held 166 lefties faced since last year to a .244 batting average. Finally, Colorado’s scoring outlook is underwhelming tonight. According to Betting Pros, the Rockies are +185, and the game’s total is 9.0 runs. As a result, the under for Blackmon’s prop is a good pick.
Martin Perez: 5.0 Strikeouts – Higher
Perez isn’t a strikeout whiz. Still, he’s pitched well at home and has a matchup to bring his best out tonight. In 104.0 innings at home since last year, Perez has had 100 strikeouts, 8.65 K/9 and a 22.5 K%.
Meanwhile, the Rockies have a 24.5 K% against lefties this year. They’ve also been strikeout prone on the road, sporting a 25.1 K% in road contests this year. Thus, Perez can strike out a batter per inning and pitch six innings, allowing him to go over his prop.
Marcus Semien: 1.5 Total Bases – Higher
Semien can greet Karl Kauffmann rudely from the leadoff spot in the righty’s big-league debut. The veteran second baseman has excelled in same-handed matchups. Since 2021, he’s had a .238 ISO and 125 wRC+ against righties. Semien has been even better this year, amassing a .240 ISO against right-handed pitchers in 2023.
Conversely, Karl Kauffmann wasn’t good in Triple-A, amassing an ugly 6.68 ERA and 1.79 WHIP in 101.0 innings. The 89 righties he’s faced in Triple-A this year have ripped Kauffmann for a .309 batting average and .444 slugging. Semien is a sizable step up from who Kauffmann has faced in Triple-A. So, Semien can eclipse 1.5 total bases.
Brent Rooker: 7.0 Fantasy Points – Higher
Rooker was an elite hitter in college and raked in the minors. However, getting his footing in The Show has taken him some time. Rooker’s bat has taken off this year, though.
According to Baseball Savant, Rooker has a .295 batting average, .293 expected batting average, .605 slugging, .582 expected slugging, .425 wOBA and .423 xwOBA this season. Rooker’s matchup is excellent tonight, too. Brandon Bielak has coughed up a .373 OBP, .533 SLG and .392 wOBA to 67 right-handed batters faced since 2021. As a result, Rooker should stay hot tonight and score more than 7.0 fantasy points.
Ryan Noda: 0.5 Walks – Higher
Noda is an exceptionally patient hitter who works walks at a high clip. The left-handed-hitting rookie has had 28 walks and a 22.6 BB% in 124 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers this year. Noda can work walks against even right-handed pitchers who are stingy issuing them.
However, Bielak isn’t exactly a precise strike thrower. Instead, he’s walked 7.7% of the lefties he’s faced this year. Moreover, Bielak’s walked 10.2% of the lefties he’s faced in his career. Thus, Noda is an excellent bet to work at least one walk tonight.
Whether you’re new to fantasy baseball or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Baseball 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with our Sabermetrics Glossary or head to a more advanced strategy – like Maximizing Your Potential in Multi-Lineup Contests – to learn more.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
