Paul Skenes Props May 23: Fade Skenes vs Giants?

We've got a Paul Skenes showcase game today, which means it's time to hit on some Skenes MLB prop bets.

Skenes is coming off six no-hit innings against the Cubs, where the righty allowed just one walk to 11 strikeouts. I've taken a look at all the markets available for the young Pirates phenom against the Giants, and compiled a few Skenes prop bets I like below.

Here are my Skenes best bets of the day:

Giants vs Pirates Matchup Preview - Game Time: 12:35 pm ET

Pick 1: Skenes Under 7.5 Strikeouts (-150)

I get that Skenes struck out 11 batters last outing, but it's really hard to justify the over here. Even if you include minor-league outings, last week’s 11-strikeout day against the Cubs was the first time he bested 7 Ks in an outing since April 18th.

As well, he faces a Giants lineup that's not missing the ball much these days. The Giants on the season have a better than average strikeout rate against right-handers like Skenes (21.5%) and the fifth-lowest K% in May (20.0%). Skenes may still shove today, but he's not gonna get to eight strikeouts.

Pick 2: Skenes Under 16.5 Outs Recorded (-110)

Skenes was basically perfect last time out, and still only got to six innings (18 outs recorded). Facing a pretty hot Giants lineup, it’s hard to see him being quite as perfect today.

The Giants have the fifth-best team OPS in baseball over the last 15 days, averaging 5.8 runs per game over that stretch. 

It’s pretty clear Skenes is working on a tight pitch count of no more than 100 (and maybe fewer). So, even a few hits against should end his day before 17 outs recorded.

I think Matt Chapman in particular could cause some struggles for Skenes. The Giants 3B is one of the streakiest hitters in baseball, and he’s on a hot run right now. Chapman has 11 hits and two homers in his last 18 at-bats. You can get him at +400 to homer today.

Other Paul Skenes Prop Betting Markets - May 23

If you're for some reason itching for even more ways to bet on Paul Skenes today, here are a few other prop markets to consider: