MLB Pitcher Props for Aug. 18: Red Sox Have a Short Leash for Suarez

It’s the dog days of mid-August and with the trade deadline in the rear-view mirror, we’ve got a full 15-game slate Tuesday. It’s an all evening slate, starting at 6:35 pm ET when the Yankees and Orioles continue an AL East series in Charm City. The schedule gives plenty of opportunities to find the best MLB bets today, including the top pitcher props. After looking over the slate, we’ve identified our favorite plays to bolster your bankroll. Without further ado, let’s get to the best options on the board for Tuesday, August 18.

Best MLB Pitcher Strikeout Bets Today: Player Props for August 18

Zack Wheeler, Phillies Over 6.5 Strikeouts (-155, Hard Rock)

Wheeler is solid as the front of the rotation guy for the Phillies, along with Cristopher Sanchez. He seems fully recovered after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and is 10-4 with a 2.89 ERA, a 0.997 WHIP and 137 strikeouts over 115.1 innings of work. In addition, Wheeler has at least six strikeouts in 13 of his 20 starts, along with three others with five. Current Miami hitters own a collective .220 average in 59 at-bats against him. Meanwhile, Wheeler holds a 37.3% strikeout rate (22 punchouts) in those at-bats. That includes 23 punchouts over 15 innings of work in three starts against Miami this year. He picks up his share of whiffs again here.

Kyle Harrison, Brewers Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-150, Fanatics)

Harrison turned out to be a solid starter on the bump for the Brewers, adding another reclamation project success. He is 9-3 with a 3.47 ERA, a 1.125 WHIP and 114 strikeouts over 93.1 innings in 19 starts. Harrison struggled a bit with distance of late, going five innings or less in his last five starts. Those outings were separated by a month-long stint on the injured list. Despite the short outings, Harrison still delivers strikeouts, recording at least six whiffs in 10 of his starts. Seattle is a below average team in terms of striking out at the plate. Meanwhile, Harrison is 6-1 with a 1.38 ERA and 70 strikeouts over 52 innings at home this year. He gets the job done and cashes this prop.

New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Bet Now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Best MLB Pitcher Prop Picks Today (08/18):

Ranger Suarez, Red Sox Under 15.5 Outs (-155, Fanatics)

Suarez was expected to be a big difference maker for the Red Sox’ rotation this season. Instead, he is 4-3 with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.185 WHIP over 108 innings in 21 starts on the year. In addition, his numbers have tailed off precipitously of late. Suarez hasn’t gone deeper than five frames in any of his last five starts with a stay on the IL in the middle. Meanwhile, he’s gone less than six frames in 13 of his 21 starts on the year. In his career, Suarez struggled against Arizona. Current Diamondback hitters own a robust .404 average (42 of 104) with nine doubles and three homers. His struggles continue here and that knocks him out earlier than anticipated.

Jackson Kent, Nationals Under 12.5 Outs (-105, Hard Rock)

Kent made his major league debut in his last outing, facing the Cubs at Nationals Park. While he started strong, his control issues caught up with him. Kent threw four strong innings to start before coming unraveled in the fifth. He surrendered a single, a walk and a RBI double before getting the hook. Kent threw 78 pitches but just 37 were strikes. Kent finished with four innings pitched as he allowed three runs on three hits with five walks and six strikeouts in an eventual 12-6 Nationals loss. While some of that may be nerves, the fact remains that until we see him turn in a better outing, you have to think that he's going to have a quick hook.

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Bet Now DraftKings Promo

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.