Sunrise Sluggers: Starting the Day with the Boys on the Bench and Baseball

Rise and shine with "Sunrise Sluggers," a morning segment where you can kick off your day with the Boys on the Bench as they dive into the world of baseball.

The goal of Sunrise Sluggers is to highlight top daily prop projections throughout the MLB season before you starting settling in for the day. Check in daily to get some of the best betting notes and analysis.

These are my favorite MLB prop bets for April 20th!

Player Pick #1: Harrison Bader over 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs (+125; BetMGM)

Capitalize on Harrison Bader's consistent offensive contributions in today's MLB matchup? As Bader takes the field, his stats suggest he's a prime candidate for exceeding the 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs mark. Here's why betting on Bader is a smart choice for today's game.

Batting Trends:

Harrison Bader has been a reliable offensive force for the Mets, racking up 19 hits, 9 runs, and 6 RBIs in just 16 games. His average of 2.2 HRR per game makes him a consistent contributor and a safe bet.
In a recent standout performance against the Dodgers, Bader went 4-for-5 with a double, a stolen base, one RBI, and a run scored. Over the past 13 games, Bader has been batting .361, adding further proof of his capacity to excel under pressure and in crucial matchups.

Harrison Bader vs RHP

Harrison Bader has excelled against right-handed pitching this season, boasting a .342 batting average with 13 hits, 8 runs, and 4 RBIs in 40 plate appearances. His wRC+ of 135.7 against righties indicates significant offensive productivity.

Gavin Stone vs RHB

Gavin Stone has struggled this season with a staggering 6.14 ERA, and 1.57 WHIP. While he performs much better vs Righty's, he'll have a tough outing today vs Bader and this Mets offense who's coming off a matchup last night where they had no issues producing runs throughout the game.

Player Pick #2: Trea Turner over 1.5 Total Bases (+105; DraftKings)

Turner has been lighting up the field, consistently delivering standout performances at the plate. In this matchup, we're betting on Turner to continue his impressive streak and surpass 1.5 Total Bases.

Batting Trends:

Turner has been a force to be reckoned with, accumulating 41 Total Bases over 20 games this season, averaging an impressive 2.0 Total Bases per game. Notably, Turner has exceeded 1.5 Total Bases in 55% of his games this season, showcasing his ability to consistently produce offensively.
In a recent standout performance against Ryan Feltner, Turner launched a solo home run in the first inning, marking his second long ball of the 2024 season. He's been on fire during the Phillies' last 8 games, batting .454 with 7 extra-base hits and 9 runs scored. Turner's offensive prowess has been undeniable, making him a key contributor to the Phillies' lineup.

Trea Turner vs. Michael Soroka (Since 2018):

In previous matchups against Michael Soroka, Turner has displayed effectiveness, maintaining a .308 batting average and a .462 slugging percentage. He's recorded 4 hits and 6 total bases in 13 plate appearances against Soroka, including 2 extra-base hits.

Trea Turner vs. Right-Handed Pitchers (RHP):

Turner has thrived against right-handed pitching in the 2024 season, boasting a .349 batting average with 24 total bases in 45 plate appearances. He's been a consistent threat at the plate, with a 33.3% extra-base hit rate against righties.

Michael Soroka vs. Right-Handed Batters (RHB):

While Michael Soroka has struggled against right-handed batters in the 2024 season, posting a 7.84 ERA with a .256 batting average allowed, RHB have managed to record 40.0% extra-base hits against him, suggesting potential opportunities for Turner.

Player Pick #3: Steven Kwan over 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs (-145; BetMGM)

Kwan has been a standout performer for his team, delivering impactful performances at the plate. In this matchup, we're betting on Kwan to continue his impressive streak and surpass 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs.

Batting Trends:

Kwan has been a reliable offensive force, tallying 30 hits, 19 runs, and 7 RBIs in 19 games this season. Averaging 1.6 hits and 1.0 run per game, Kwan has been a consistent contributor to his team's offense. Notably, he has exceeded 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs in 7 of his last 8 games at home, boasting an average of 2.9 Hits+Runs+RBIs per game over this span.

In a recent game after returning from a rest day, Kwan was effective, recording a double and 2 RBIs. Prior to his break, he recorded a hit in 11 out of his last 13 games, showcasing his consistent offensive production. With a strong track record of performance, Kwan is poised to make an impact at the plate.

Steven Kwan vs. R. Wood (Since 2018):

In previous matchups against R. Wood, Kwan has limited experience, with 3 plate appearances and no hits recorded. While the sample size is small, Kwan looks to make an impact in this matchup.

Steven Kwan vs. Left-Handed Pitchers (LHP):

Kwan has thrived against left-handed pitching in the 2024 season, boasting a .364 batting average with 8 hits, 4 runs, and 2 RBIs in 23 plate appearances. He's been a consistent threat at the plate, with a wRC+ of 127.3 against lefties.

Alex Wood vs. Left-Handed Batters (LHB):

While Alex Wood has struggled against left-handed batters in the 2024 season, posting an 8.10 ERA with a .348 batting average allowed, LHB have managed to find success against him, suggesting potential opportunities for Kwan.

Player Pick #4: Willy Adames over 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs (+115; DraftKings)

Adames has been a steady force for his team, delivering impactful performances at the plate. In this matchup, we're banking on Adames to continue his impressive streak and surpass 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs.

Batting Trends:

Adames has been a model of consistency, totaling 21 hits, 12 runs, and 10 RBIs in 18 games this season. Averaging 1.2 hits and 0.7 runs per game, Adames has been a reliable contributor to his team's offense. Notably, he has recorded hits in 6 out of his last 7 games, with 3 extra-base hits over this span, showcasing his ability to produce offensively.
In a recent stretch of games, Adames has shown his ability to consistently find success at the plate, recording hits in 6 of his last 7 games. With 3 extra-base hits among his 11 hits during this span, Adames has been a key contributor to his team's offensive production.

Willy Adames vs. Miles Mikolas (Since 2018):

In previous matchups against Miles Mikolas, Adames has found success, maintaining a .300 batting average with 6 hits in 21 plate appearances. While the sample size is limited, Adames has shown an ability to make an impact against Mikolas.

Willy Adames vs. Right-Handed Pitchers (RHP):

Adames has thrived against right-handed pitching in the 2024 season, boasting a .328 batting average with 21 hits, 12 runs, and 10 RBIs in 72 plate appearances. He's been a consistent threat at the plate, with a wRC+ of 159.0 against righties.

Miles Mikolas vs. Right-Handed Batters (RHB):

While Miles Mikolas has struggled against right-handed batters in the 2024 season, posting a 5.00 ERA with a .289 batting average allowed, RHB have managed to find success against him, suggesting potential opportunities for Adames.

Player Pick: Ryan McMahon over 1.5 Total Bases (+125; DraftKings)

McMahon has been swinging a hot bat, and we're betting on him to continue his impressive streak in this matchup. Get ready to cash in on McMahon's ability to deliver extra-base hits and surpass 1.5 Total Bases.

Batting Trends:

McMahon has been a force to be reckoned with, totaling 37 Total Bases in 19 games this season. Averaging 1.9 Total Bases per game, McMahon has been a consistent threat in the batter's box. Notably, he has exceeded 1.5 Total Bases in 12 out of 19 games this season, showcasing his ability to generate offensive production.
McMahon enters this game on the back of two consecutive multi-hit performances against the Phillies, demonstrating a return to form after a brief hitless stretch. With momentum on his side, McMahon looks primed to make an impact at the plate and contribute to his team's offensive output.

Ryan McMahon vs. Luis Castillo (Since 2018):

In previous matchups against Luis Castillo, McMahon has limited success, recording just 1 hit in 9 plate appearances. While the sample size is small, McMahon looks to turn the tide and capitalize on this matchup early in the season where we've Luis Castillo struggle greatly in the past.

Ryan McMahon vs. Right-Handed Pitchers (RHP):

McMahon has thrived against right-handed pitching in the 2024 season, boasting a .356 batting average with 23 Total Bases in 53 plate appearances. He's been a consistent threat at the plate, with a XBH% of 31.2 against righties.

Luis Castillo vs. Left-Handed Batters (LHB):

While Luis Castillo has struggled against left-handed batters in the 2024 season, posting an 8.68 ERA with a .429 batting average allowed, LHB have managed to find success against him, suggesting potential opportunities for McMahon.