MLB PrizePicks Today: MLB DFS Picks for October 8
The MLB Division Series are heating up, with two National League Game 3’s on the MLB DFS slate tonight, with both series tied at 1-1.
Tonight’s action gets started with the Phillies vs. Mets at 5:08 p.m. ET, followed by the Dodgers and Padres at 9:08 p.m. ET. We’ve got today’s top MLB DFS picks and player projections on PrizePicks for both Division Series games below.
Whether you’re backing a pitchers' strikeouts or a hitter to go yard, today's MLB Playoffs matchups are stacked with opportunities in crucial Game 3’s.
Keep an eye on the board for Taco Tuesday discounts on PrizePicks all day long, and use these picks as Taco pairing options. Don’t forget to head to the PrizePicks MLB board and lock in your picks to get in on the real money MLB action.
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PrizePicks MLB Picks for October 8
- Phillies P Aaron Nola 16.5 Outs — More
- Mets Starling Marte 0.5 Strikeouts — More (Goblin)
- Padres CF Jackson Merrill 2.5 Total Bases — More (Demon)
Phillies P Aaron Nola 16.5 Outs — MORE
Time: 5:08 p.m. ET
Note: Aaron Nola's strikeout projection is discounted to 3.5 (from 5.5) for Taco Tuesday until 3:30 p.m. ET in the PrizePicks app.
As the Phillies head into the postseason, their bullpen has started on a shaky note, but their starters have been going deep into games. Pitcher Aaron Nola, a seasoned veteran, will look to continue that trend.
Nola's 16.5 outs projection has been achieved in almost 75% of his starts this season, going over the mark in 24 of 33 games.
In his last four playoff appearances, he has surpassed this number in three of four outings. If there’s any pitcher the Phillies want to go deep, it’s Nola.
One pitch that will help Nola go deep into the game is his knuckle curve. Since last season, in 135+ plate appearances, the New York Mets lineup collectively has a 53% ground ball rate, a 7% barrel rate, and a .215 BABIP or lower against the knuckle curve.
Mets RF Starling Marte 0.5 Strikeouts — More (Goblin)
Time: 5:08 p.m. ET
This year, New York Mets outfielder Marte’s striking out 21.9% of the time — the highest mark for Marte since 2014. Marte has faced Nola 31 times and struck out 9 times, posting a 29% strikeout rate.
Nola relies on his knuckle curve 33% of the time, and Marte has struggled against it, holding a 40% strikeout rate in 15 at-bats against the pitch since last season.
Nola also mixes in his four-seam fastball 30% of the time, and Marte struggles with that pitch as well, owning a 27% strikeout rate this season against the four-seamer.
Padres CF Jackson Merrill 2.5 Total Bases — More (Demon)
Time: 9:08 p.m. ET
Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler has faced his share of struggles against left-handed hitters this season, especially in a small sample size since returning from injury.
In his last 45 plate appearances against lefties, Buehler has allowed a 10% barrel rate, a 47% hard-hit percentage, and a weak 6% swinging strike rate. Lefties face Buehler’s cutter and fastball 61% of the time, making him vulnerable.
Padres rookie lefty Jackson Merrill, a standout candidate for Rookie of the Year, has crushed right-handed fastballs in his last 25 plate appearances, boasting a 58% flyball rate, a 79% hard-hit percentage, and a 32% barrel rate.
Against the cutter, Merrill’s numbers are similarly strong, with a 12.5% barrel rate, a 63% hard-hit percentage, and a 31% flyball rate, making him a dangerous threat against Buehler.
Merrill has been hot so far in his first postseason, going 6-for-14 with a homerun. There’s reason to believe he can keep the trend going in this matchup.
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You’ve got the MLB picks for today's MLB Playoff games, now it’s time to build your MLB Lineup on PrizePicks. All you have to do is pick more or less on at least two player projections to win real money on today’s MLB Division Series action.
Whether you’re going with demons or goblins, there’s always real money sports action waiting for you on PrizePicks. Use these picks, stay in the green, and cash out when the games are over.
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