Caleb Wilfinger
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It hasn’t been a pretty stretch of the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense over the last few weeks. Fortunately for Dave Roberts’ bunch, they’ll be getting a favorable matchup on Thursday in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. Looking to avoid a sweep, I’ll gladly back one of the most consistent hitters on the team, particularly against left-handed pitching. Let’s dive into our best MLB player props for Thursday, June 6, as we look to build on our 8-3 run! You can also find out our MLB picks for today’s games.
Will Smith (LAD) over 1.5 total bases (-105)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Risking 1.05u.
Heading into the season, there was a lot made about the elite trio at the top of the Dodgers’ lineup, and while those 3 hitters are a big reason why the Dodgers are in first place in the NL West, it’s been the man hitting in the cleanup spot who presents the biggest issue for the Pirates in Thursday’s game. Will Smith has long been one of the best catchers in the sport, but his splits against left-handed pitching this season are something to behold. The 29-year-old is hitting .415 against lefties with a SLG of .792 and 1.292 OPS. Over the course of 53 at-bats, Smith has 22 hits and 12 extra-base hits, 4 of which have been home runs. In fact, Smith has as many doubles against lefties as he does against right-handers, where he has nearly three times the sample size of plate appearances. Look for the All-Star to clear this number and keep the line moving on Thursday.
Get the best odds on BOTH our Will Smith player prop picks over at DraftKings Sportsbook, where new users can also secure a no-sweat first bet up to $1,500 AND a no-sweat Same Game Parlay for every game in the NBA Finals! All you need to do to receive this promotion is click here and sign up for DraftKings now.
Will Smith (LAD) to record an RBI (+120)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Risking 0.5u.
Much of my reasoning for why I like Smith to go over 1.5 total bases applies to why I think he’ll pick up at least one RBI as well in this one. Mookie Betts has excelled in the leadoff role this season, and being followed by Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman certainly doesn’t help opposing pitchers. That’s where Smith comes in, as the catcher sits in a perfect position in the order to drive home one (or more) of his superstar teammates at the top of the order. With 13 RBIs in just 53 at-bats against left-handers this season, Smith has been as good as it gets in this situation. Smith also has 6 RBIs over his last 9 starts, and I expect that trend to continue in this one. Don’t be surprised if Smith picks up an RBI to go with a couple of total bases along the way on Thursday.
