We’re fortunate to have some props today featuring players who not only do well (or badly) against certain pitchers, but who have also been doing well (or badly) of late.

MLB Betting Promotions

Let’s get right into the best MLB player props picks to bet on today at online bookies.

Best MLB Props Predictions for August 17

Astros vs. Royals Betting Preview

WHIT MERRIFIELD (Kansas City Royals) OVER 1.5 TOTAL BASES (-105)

Opponent: HOUSTON ASTROS (starter – Framber Valdez)

Time: 8:10 PM ET

It wouldn’t be unfair for us to say that Merrifield was KC’s answer to Jose Altuve, would it? Whit was certainly our hero on Monday, as he cashed for us with three hits in five trips to the plate against Houston.

He has faced Framber Valdez three times and come away with three hits and four RBI’s, with a homer. We’re perfectly willing to take a chance with the fiery second baseman here.

MLB Totals Odds

Braves vs. Marlins Betting Preview

OZZIE ALBIES (Atlanta Braves) OVER 0.5 RBIs (+165)

Opponent: MIAMI MARLINS (starter – Sandy Alcantara)

Time: 7:10 PM ET

Albies, of course, is one of the more productive second basemen on the planet, and lately he’s been a special headache for opposing pitchers to deal with, In his last six games, he’s batting .393 with four homers and 11 RBI’s.

And there would appear to be a pretty good chance for that to continue, as he has gone 7-for-18 (.389) with five runs batted in.

Brewers vs. Cardinals Betting Preview

TAYLOR O’NEILL (St. Louis Cardinals) UNDER 0.5 HITS (-110)

Opponent: MILWAUKEE BREWERS (starter – Corbin Burnes)

Time: 7:45 PM ET

In another direction, I guess you could go with Paul Goldschmidt, who is 6-of-13 lifetime against Corbin Burnes. But we prefer to move with ineptitude here.

Tyler O’Neill has faced Burnes six times without a hit, and struck out five times. And as far as fanning goes, he’s been doing a lot of that lately; in his last seven games, he’s been on a 2-for-23 run. He’s been swinging for the fences, to be sure – both of the hits were home runs, and he has struck out 13 times.

In other words, he is doing exactly the same thing that has made him unsuccessful against Burnes.

MLB Totals Picks

Cubs vs. Reds Betting Preview

JOEY VOTTO (Cincinnati Reds) OVER 0.5 RUNS (-145)

Opponent: CHICAGO CUBS (starter – Kyle Hendricks)

Time: 7:10 PM ET

Votto has been to bat against Kyle Hendricks 49 times and reached base 27 of those times. In case you don’t want to d the math, that’s a .551 on base percentage. The seven-time on base “champ” is at .377 in that category this season.

And Votto has been “hotto” in recent action. Over his last ten games, he’s hit .395 (.467 on base average) with four homers.

Orioles vs. Rays Betting Preview

AUSTIN MEADOWS (Tampa Bay Rays) UNDER 0.5 HITS (+150)

Opponent: BALTIMORE ORIOLES (starter – John Means)

Time: 7:10 PM ET

Austin Meadows has blasted 21 homers, but he is not a high-percentage hitter, with a .233 average. That has not been helped by a 2-for-22 string over his last six games.

And he’s had no luck against John Means, as he’s gone hitless in nine at bats. So the result of all that is a price that is very attractive.

Read our MLB total bases props betting guide if you’re new to betting on this type of wager.