MLB best bets, strikeout props for Monday 8/14: Scherzer to have Max impact

It's a new week in strikeout prop world, and we're looking to kick it off with a bang. Let's shoot for a 3-0 sweep with my three favorite K props for Monday's MLB slate. 

Framber Valdez under 5.5 Ks (-102 FanDuel)

Framber Valdez threw a seven-strikeout no-hitter against the Oakland Athletics two starts ago, but he hasn't been good of late aside from that one outlier. If you take out the no-no, Valdez has given up 21 earned runs over his last four starts, and he's recorded four or fewer Ks in three straight. Now he has to go up against the Miami Marlins, who have the highest batting average (.302) and the fifth-lowest strikeout rate (22.6 percent) against left-handed pitchers this season. Take the under. 

Clarke Schmidt under 4.5 Ks (-130 DraftKings)

I haven't faded a starting pitcher going up against the Atlanta Braves in a while, so let's hop back on the train. The Braves have the highest batting average (.326), the highest OPS (.951), and the most runs per game (8.4) in MLB over the last week, and they've been the most dominant lineup against right-handed pitching all year. Clarke Schmidt has gone over 4.5 Ks in only three of his last 11 starts, and I don't see him clearing this number against the hottest lineup in the league. 

Max Scherzer over 7.5 Ks (-110 DK)

In two starts with the Texas Rangers, Max Scherzer is 2-0 with 15 strikeouts and just four earned runs. He has a great chance to make it 3-0 Monday against one of the worst strikeout teams in MLB, the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angels have recorded the third-most Ks against right-handed pitching this season, and they've struck out 9.9 times per game over the last 15 days. This is the easiest matchup for strikeouts Scherzer has faced all season, and I think he takes advantage with a gem.