Wednesday, July 19 MLB odds, trends: Tigers' Eduardo Rodriguez, Mets' Justin Verlander taking most player prop action at sportsbook

The MLB trade deadline is Aug. 1 and two pitchers with ties to the Detroit Tigers could be on the move by then, and both happen to be pitching tonight. Detroit's Eduardo Rodriguez takes the mound in Kansas City, and former ace Justin Verlander does the same in New York for the Mets against the White Sox. Rodriguez and Verlander are taking the heaviest MLB player prop action on the board at DraftKings.

Rodriguez is 5-5 with a 2.70 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 13 starts and is almost surely a goner by the deadline barring injury. The southpaw is in the second season of a five-year, $77 million contract. While E-Rod was a huge disappointment last year, he has been largely excellent in 2023 and thus is likely to opt out of his deal and sign a much bigger one this winter. There's nothing stopping the Tigers from trading him and then re-signing next winter.

Rodriguez Over 5.5 strikeouts against the Royals (-160) is the most-wagered MLB prop. He averages 6.2 Ks per game and has whiffed at least six in four straight – although that trend dates back to May 23 because Rodriguez has spent some time on the injured list in that span. He pitched in Kansas City on that May 23 date and struck out nine in just five innings. The Royals are a terrible offensive team and rank 10th in MLB in batter strikeouts. MJ Melendez has struck out four times in six at-bats against Rodriguez.

While the Mets may sell by the deadline, the writers covering the team think it's highly unlikely that Verlander (3-5, 3.72) goes anywhere. He's making nearly $46 million this season and next and has been good but not great – his value isn't that high. Verlander Verlander Under 2.5 earned runs vs. the White Sox (-135) is the second most-wagered prop on the board. The 40-year-old has been much better at Citi Field with a 2.57 ERA. He did allow three earned runs last time out at home vs. the Dodgers but didn't top 2.5 ER in any of his previous three starts.

Because Verlander spent so many years in the AL Central with Detroit, he will make his 48th career start vs. the White Sox. He is 22-14 with a 3.72 ERA (131 ER/316.2 IP) against them. Those 22 wins are tied with the Twins for the third-most against any one opponent by the future Hall of Famer. Verlander's 283 career strikeouts against the White Sox are the ninth-most in major league history and the third-most in the Divisional Era (since 1969).

Other popular MLB player prop bets at DraftKings:

Angels' Shohei Ohtani Over 0.5 home runs (+380) vs. Yankees: He is 1-for-2 with a homer off NYY starter Carlos Rodon

Rangers' Jon Gray Under 5.5 strikeouts (+100) and Over 1.5 walks (-115) vs. Rays: Game is ongoing; Gray left after one walk and four strikeouts in 4.1 innings after taking a comebacker off his ankle.  

Get more out of your SportsLine subscription! 

• Picks: NFL | NBA | CFB | CBB
• DFS: Lineup Optimizer | Picks
• Early Edge: YouTube | Apple Podcasts
• Newsletters: SportsLine Daily | Fantasy

Qualifying SportsLine members receive a 30-day free trial of Paramount+ premium. Sync your account right here.