MLB strikeout props for 4/30: No knocking Wood against Pirates

We went 1-1 in strikeout props with one rainout on Monday, so we're hoping for some better weather and a winning record on Tuesday. Let's check out our three favorite K props for the MLB slate. 

Javier Assad under 4.5 Ks (-125 FanDuel)

Cubs at Mets, 7:10 p.m. ET

Javier Assad has gone over 4.5 strikeouts in four of his five starts this season, but he's been a bit lucky to rack up that many Ks to this point. The Chicago Cubs right-hander ranks in the 61st percentile in strikeout rate but the 14th percentile in whiff rate, so he's not generating enough swings and misses to keep up this pace. The New York Mets have the fourth-lowest strikeout rate in MLB this year, and they struck out only three times against the Cubs in Monday's series opener.

Luis Castillo under 6.5 Ks (+100 DraftKings)

Braves at Mariners, 9:40 p.m. ET

Luis Castillo has always been an effective strikeout artist, but this number is too high. The Seattle Mariners starter is on pace to record career-worst marks in whiff rate (27.8 percent), zone contact rate (80.3 percent) and batting average allowed (.273). He's also facing a loaded Atlanta Braves lineup that sports a 17.8 percent strikeout rate in 101 plate appearances against him. We like the under here.

Alex Wood over 4.5 Ks (-105 FD)

Pirates at Athletics, 9:40 p.m. ET

Alex Wood's advanced metrics aren't very impressive to start the season. The Oakland Athletics left-hander ranks in the seventh percentile in chase rate, the 28th percentile in strikeout rate and the 30th percentile in whiff rate. We'd normally target an under on Wood, but he's staring down a perfect matchup on Tuesday night. The Pittsburgh Pirates have a 30.8 percent strikeout rate against left-handed pitching this year, so we'll take a chance on the over.