The first Friday night baseball slate is here and it's time to dive into the top MLB player props and picks on Underdog Fantasy. Although there are only five games on tap tonight, we still have some matchups to target as you make your MLB best bets. This Underdog MLB picks article focuses on Houston Astros SP Cristian Javier and Los Angeles Dodgers 3B Max Muncy. Don't forget to check out the latest MLB weather report and the confirmed MLB lineups ahead of tonight's game. Plus, the MLB daily projections and MLB Batter vs Pitcher page will help you find the best matchups for MLB player props and MLB DFS lineups. Now, let's dive into the top MLB player picks on Underdog Fantasy for Friday, March 31st. 

 

MLB Underdog Top Picks & Plays March 31

Cristian Javier, Houston Astros – OVER 6.0 Strikeouts

Javier is a popular pick by many to win the AL Cy Young this season and tonight starts up the 2023 campaign for last year's breakout pitcher. The Astros' starter compiled a 2.54 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 194 strikeouts over 148.2 innings last season while boasting an 11.7 K/9 rate and 33.2 strikeout percentage. Javier will have the nightly potential to dominate on the mound this year, but tonight's matchup looks like a favorable one. The White Sox struck out nine times on Opening Day against Houston pitching, which presents an opportunity for Javier to rack up K's as well. The right-handed Javier had a 33% K rate vs righty hitters last year compared to a 22% K rate vs lefties. Most of the White Sox's best hitters are right-handed (Tim Anderson, Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez). The lefties that are in Chicago's lineup tonight are a combined 0-for-4 in their careers against Javier, and that lack of experience facing him puts the Houston starter at an advantage too. Another factor to consider is that Javier is coming off of a World Baseball Classic run with the Dominican Republic and the real-game experience should benefit him to start the season strong – beginning tonight. 

Max Muncy, Los Angeles Dodgers – OVER 0.5 Hits

In case you missed it yesterday, Muncy had arguably the worst Opening Day stat line a hitter can have. The Dodgers' third baseman went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts for the rare “platinum sombrero” to begin the 2023 season. So, are we really backing Muncy to get a hit on Friday night? Of course! The motivation factor to get into the hit column tonight could be enough of a reason alone to grab this Muncy prop. However, we do have a couple of actual stats to consider. First off, Muncy has good numbers against Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly. In 29 career at-bats vs Kelly, Muncy is hitting .423 (11-for-26) with only four strikeouts. Plus, Muncy just batted .304 in Spring Training and had looked more comfortable at the plate before last night. He's still the Dodgers' cleanup hitter who's batting between Will Smith and J.D. Martinez in the lineup. Let's count on Muncy bouncing back from yesterday's ugly game at the plate. 

 

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