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Thursday’s MLB slate delivers a sneaky-good setup for strikeout prop bettors, with a nice mix of underrated arms, international stars, and bounce-back candidates in sharp spots. It’s the kind of day where you don’t just chase aces, you hunt for pitchers with the right matchups, recent form, and K-rates trending in your favor.
Some props are quietly mispriced, and sharp plays could pay off before the weekend hits. Leading the charge is Jesus Luzardo, who’s quietly locked in right now and lands in one of the safest strikeout spots of the night.
Meanwhile, Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to show flashes of dominance in his debut MLB campaign, and Bailey Ober brings sneaky value with a plus-money line for strikeout bettors looking to take a swing. Let’s break down five of the sharpest strikeout prop bets for May 8.
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Note: Odds are set by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. No outcome can be guaranteed when betting on sports.
Today's Top MLB Pitchers Strikeouts Prop Bets
#5. Kris Bubic - Over 5.5 Ks (-140)
Kris Bubic has quietly been one of the sharpest left-handers in baseball this season, carrying a 1.98 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and an impressive 8.8 K/9 through 40 strikeouts in 41 innings. His swinging strike rate sits at a strong 13.1%, with a fastball averaging 92.2 mph and a reliable changeup that’s consistently kept hitters off-balance.
He faces the White Sox today, a lineup that’s struggled mightily against lefties and lacks consistent contact hitters. With his current 2276 RPM fastball spin rate paired with a low 80.7 mph average exit velocity, he’s in a prime position to punch out 6+ hitters again here.
#4. Brandon Pfaadt - Under 5.5 Ks (-150)
Brandon Pfaadt had a steady 2025 with a 3.79 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 7.8 K/9, but strikeouts haven’t been his calling card against elite lineups. He’s topped this number in just three of his last seven, and facing a disciplined Dodgers lineup that rarely chases makes this a tough spot. Even with sharp command (1.6 BB/9) and a 93.3 mph fastball, the under holds value here.
#3. Yoshinobu Yamamoto - Over 5.5 Ks (-120)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s been dominant in 2025 with a 0.90 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a strong 11.0 K/9. His 14.1% swinging strike rate and 95.4 mph fastball have overwhelmed hitters, while his 2.4% barrel rate and 81.4 mph average exit velocity limit damage.
Facing a D-backs lineup prone to struggles against top-end velocity and elite off-speed, Yamamoto’s cleared this line in four of his last six starts, making this a strong over play.
#2. Jesus Luzardo - Over 5.5 Ks (-160) (Safest Pick of the Day)
Jesus Luzardo’s been locked in this season with a 1.94 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and a sharp 10.2 K/9. His 96.3 mph fastball and 4.27 K/BB ratio have kept hitters in check, and he’s cleared this strikeout line in four straight outings. Against a Rays lineup that struggles with high velocity and lefty breaking stuff, Luzardo’s strikeout upside remains one of the safest plays on the board.
#1. Bailey Ober - Over 6.5 Ks (+105) (Bold Prediction of the Day)
Bailey Ober’s quietly having a solid season with a 3.72 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 7.2 K/9. Despite a modest 90.7 mph fastball, his command and sequencing have played well, and against an Orioles lineup that’s shown swing-and-miss vulnerability versus righties with sharp secondary stuff, this is a solid value play at plus odds.
