Which pitcher has the best strikeout matchup today (Monday, May 18, 2026)?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) — top of the board at 100, projected for about 6.2 K against SD. A 26% K/BF arm into a lineup that whiffs 22% of the time.

What are the best pitcher strikeout props today?

The top projected-K starts on Monday, May 18, 2026: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (~6.2 K), Bryan Woo (~6.1 K), Shota Imanaga (~5.8 K), J.T. Ginn (~5.7 K), MacKenzie Gore (~5.8 K). The full board ranks every starter.

How is the strikeout matchup score calculated?

It weighs each starter's strikeout ability against the specific hitters he's set to face, hand by hand, then factors in how deep he tends to pitch and his command. Scores are set 0–100 across the slate, with a projected strikeout count alongside. The exact way those pieces are weighted and combined is our own model, tuned weekly against results.

Is the strikeout board about pitchers or hitters?

Pitchers. Every card is a starting pitcher, ranked by how many strikeouts the matchup sets up — his stuff against the lineup he's facing. So a higher score is good for the pitcher (and his K prop), not the hitters.

What's the projected strikeout number?

A rough expected K total for the start, from how similar matchups have gone. It's a reference for comparing starters against each other, not a promise he throws exactly that many.

Strikeouts per batter faced — the share of hitters a pitcher strikes out. Around 22% is league average. Swing-and-miss starters run 30%+. We split it by batter handedness, which is what a daily matchup is asking.

What is K-BB%, and why does it matter?

Strikeout rate minus walk rate — a command-adjusted read on swing-and-miss skill, and one of the most stable, predictive pitcher numbers there is. A high-K-BB% arm misses bats without handing out free passes, which keeps the strikeout upside real.

Why does the opposing lineup matter so much?

A strikeout takes two. An elite arm gets fewer against a contact lineup, and a mid-rotation guy can pile them up against a whiff-prone one. The model reads each hitter's K rate vs the pitcher's hand, so the same starter grades very differently depending on who he draws.

What's the confidence meter?

How much data backs the read — sample size on the pitcher and the hitters he faces, plus whether the lineup's official. It's a measure of how solid the projection is, not a probability.

Can I use these for strikeout props or DFS?

Yes — that's the point. The board surfaces which starters have the best strikeout conditions and projects a count. Where there's a line, we show the over/under and which side our number leans. We don't post picks — we show the data and grade it. (Best-price odds and the Plays of the Day are a Pro feature.)

Are these confirmed or projected lineups?

Strikeout projections ride on the opposing lineup, so before a team posts officially (~2 hours before first pitch) we project it from their last game, then update once it's set. A pitcher facing a still-projected lineup is flagged so you know the number can still move.

Yes — the full board, every game page, and the daily archive, no login. Best-price odds and the betting tools are the paid tier.

Strikeouts Board · Archive

Best MLB strikeouts matchups — Monday, May 18, 2026

Every starting pitcher on the Monday, May 18, 2026 slate, scored — ranked by strikeout upside against today's lineup. Whiff rate, the bats he's facing, how deep he goes, and command. Results show how each call played out.

★ Plays of the Day

No identified Plays of the Day on this slate — our model didn't find a strikeout disagreement with the book big enough to clear our edge threshold. The model still ran every matchup; it just didn't flag a play worth posting today. This season strikeout PODs are hitting 62% — a +12% return.

Final · 8–2

CLEaway

DEThomeTop matchup42 Final · 6–16

BALaway

TBhomeTop matchup73 Final · 4–5

CINaway

PHIhomeTop matchup37 Final · 0–12

ATLaway

MIAhomeTop matchup69 Final · 16–7

NYMaway

WSHhomeTop matchup51 Final · 6–7

TORaway

NYYhomeTop matchup72 Final · 3–1

BOSaway

KChomeTop matchup44 Final · 3–6

HOUaway

MINhomeTop matchup32 Final · 9–3

MILaway

CHChomeTop matchup83 Final · 6–7

TEXaway

COLhomeTop matchup76 Final · 1–2

ATHaway

LAAhomeTop matchup77 Final · 0–1

LADaway

SDhomeTop matchup100 Final · 2–12

SFaway

AZhomeTop matchup41 Final · 1–6

CWSaway

SEAhomeTop matchup94

Sort

#Pitcher · MatchupScore

Pitcher strikeouts Rate26.1% K / BF

vs LHB23.5%

vs RHB26.9%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)20.6%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload23.7 BF

Expected batters faced23.7

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection6.2 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness22.1% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Fernando Tatis Jr. (R)21.5%3.0

2. Miguel Andujar (R)19.3%3.0

3. Ty France (R)18.7%3.0

4. Manny Machado (R)22.6%3.0

5. Xander Bogaerts (R)20.8%3.0

6. Jackson Merrill (L)24.5%2.7

7. Sung-Mun Song (L)21.7%2.0

8. Ramón Laureano (R)28.0%2.0

9. Rodolfo Durán (R)22.0%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 6.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-115-115

BOLBetOnline-118-110

BRBetRivers-127-105

BOVBovada-130+100

DKDraftKings-126-101

FDFanDuel-130-102

We project 6.2 K vs the 6.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate25.6% K / BF

vs LHB24.1%

vs RHB25.0%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)19.5%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload23.2 BF

Expected batters faced23.2

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection6.1 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness23.6% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Randal Grichuk (R)20.8%3.0

2. Munetaka Murakami (L)28.1%3.0

3. Miguel Vargas (R)17.7%3.0

4. Colson Montgomery (L)26.9%3.0

5. Edgar Quero (L)25.1%3.0

6. Jarred Kelenic (L)26.7%2.3

7. Tristan Peters (L)21.0%2.0

8. Drew Romo (L)22.7%2.0

9. Chase Meidroth (R)23.7%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 6.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+115-155

BOLBetOnline+106-137

BRBetRivers+110-148

BOVBovada+105-135

DKDraftKings+111-141

FDFanDuel+106-130

We project 6.1 K vs the 6.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate26.0% K / BF

vs LHB25.8%

vs RHB25.0%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)19.0%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload23.3 BF

Expected batters faced23.3

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection5.8 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness21.2% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Jackson Chourio (R)24.9%3.0

2. Brice Turang (L)22.4%3.0

3. William Contreras (R)21.9%3.0

4. Christian Yelich (L)22.8%3.0

5. Blake Perkins (R)19.2%3.0

6. Jake Bauers (L)20.7%2.3

7. Luis Rengifo (R)20.5%2.0

8. Sal Frelick (L)19.2%2.0

9. Joey Ortiz (R)19.0%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 5.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+110-150

BOLBetOnline+118-154

BRBetRivers+120-159

BOVBovada+120-160

DKDraftKings+122-156

FANFanatics+115-150

FDFanDuel+124-152

We project 5.8 K vs the 5.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate21.1% K / BF

vs LHB18.9%

vs RHB24.1%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)17.9%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload21.1 BF

Expected batters faced21.1

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection5.7 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness26.6% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Zach Neto (R)28.0%3.0

2. Mike Trout (R)26.3%3.0

3. Nolan Schanuel (L)18.6%3.0

4. Jorge Soler (R)28.6%2.1

5. Yoán Moncada (L)27.5%2.0

6. Jo Adell (R)23.8%2.0

7. Josh Lowe (L)25.2%2.0

8. Logan O'Hoppe (R)25.7%2.0

9. Jose Siri (R)35.6%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 5.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+105-140

BOLBetOnline+107-139

BRBetRivers+108-143

BOVBovada+105-135

DKDraftKings+111-142

FANFanatics+110-145

FDFanDuel+106-140

We project 5.7 K vs the 5.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate22.9% K / BF

vs LHB21.4%

vs RHB24.0%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)15.8%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.9 BF

Expected batters faced22.9

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection5.8 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness24.7% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Willi Castro (R)24.0%3.0

2. Brenton Doyle (R)23.9%3.0

3. TJ Rumfield (L)19.0%3.0

4. Hunter Goodman (R)29.2%3.0

5. Ezequiel Tovar (R)27.4%2.9

6. Jake McCarthy (L)21.6%2.0

7. Edouard Julien (L)26.4%2.0

8. Sterlin Thompson (L)22.0%2.0

9. Mickey Moniak (L)29.1%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 6.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+120-160

BOLBetOnline+118-154

DKDraftKings+120-153

FANFanatics+120-160

We project 5.8 K vs the 6.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate24.9% K / BF

vs LHB22.2%

vs RHB25.3%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)16.6%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload21.4 BF

Expected batters faced21.4

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection5.7 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness23.9% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Taylor Ward (R)18.5%3.0

2. Colton Cowser (L)25.9%3.0

3. Adley Rutschman (R)18.8%3.0

4. Pete Alonso (R)23.7%2.4

5. Tyler O'Neill (R)28.1%2.0

6. Coby Mayo (R)24.7%2.0

7. Jeremiah Jackson (R)24.0%2.0

8. Weston Wilson (R)26.3%2.0

9. Blaze Alexander (R)24.8%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 5.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-135+100

BOLBetOnline-143+110

BRBetRivers-150+112

BOVBovada-135+105

DKDraftKings-153+120

FANFanatics-150+115

FDFanDuel-134+110

We project 5.7 K vs the 5.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate27.5% K / BF

vs LHB26.6%

vs RHB26.5%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)17.6%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.8 BF

Expected batters faced22.8

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection5.5 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness20.2% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. George Springer (R)20.6%3.0

2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R)17.3%3.0

3. Kazuma Okamoto (R)20.2%3.0

4. Andrés Giménez (L)17.7%3.0

5. Daulton Varsho (L)21.0%2.8

6. Ernie Clement (R)15.9%2.0

7. Jesús Sánchez (L)22.2%2.0

8. Brandon Valenzuela (R)25.2%2.0

9. Yohendrick Piñango (L)22.0%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 5.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+105-140

BOLBetOnline+109-141

BRBetRivers+114-150

BOVBovada+105-135

DKDraftKings+114-146

FANFanatics+115-150

FDFanDuel+110-134

We project 5.5 K vs the 5.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate25.0% K / BF

vs LHB23.8%

vs RHB24.9%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)17.1%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.8 BF

Expected batters faced22.8

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection5.5 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness21.4% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Sandy León (L)24.1%3.0

2. Ozzie Albies (L)19.7%3.0

3. Jorge Mateo (R)21.1%3.0

4. Austin Riley (R)26.1%3.0

5. José Azócar (R)22.0%2.8

6. Mauricio Dubón (R)19.6%2.0

7. Dominic Smith (L)18.2%2.0

8. Ha-Seong Kim (R)20.7%2.0

9. Mike Yastrzemski (L)21.0%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 5.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

BOLBetOnline+107-139

BRBetRivers+110-148

BOVBovada+110-145

DKDraftKings+108-138

FDFanDuel+112-138

We project 5.5 K vs the 5.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate24.1% K / BF

vs LHB23.7%

vs RHB23.9%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)13.9%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload23.1 BF

Expected batters faced23.1

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection5.3 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness21.4% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Shohei Ohtani (L)23.6%3.0

2. Mookie Betts (R)18.0%3.0

3. Alex Call (R)20.0%3.0

4. Kyle Tucker (L)19.1%3.0

5. Will Smith (R)19.0%3.0

6. Max Muncy (L)22.5%2.1

7. Andy Pages (R)19.6%2.0

8. Teoscar Hernández (R)27.7%2.0

9. Hyeseong Kim (L)23.0%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 5.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+105-140

BOLBetOnline+109-141

BRBetRivers+130-177

BOVBovada+105-135

DKDraftKings+120-153

FANFanatics+115-150

FDFanDuel+106-130

We project 5.3 K vs the 5.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate24.3% K / BF

vs LHB23.5%

vs RHB23.5%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)14.6%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload21.2 BF

Expected batters faced21.2

From recent starts4

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection5.1 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness22.4% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. James Wood (L)27.0%3.0

2. Curtis Mead (R)19.8%3.0

3. Nasim Nuñez (L)20.6%3.0

4. CJ Abrams (L)20.1%2.2

5. Daylen Lile (L)19.4%2.0

6. Joey Wiemer (R)29.8%2.0

7. José Tena (L)24.2%2.0

8. Jorbit Vivas (L)18.9%2.0

9. Drew Millas (L)22.1%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+100-135

BOLBetOnline+106-137

BRBetRivers-103-130

BOVBovada+100-130

DKDraftKings-103-124

FANFanatics+100-130

FDFanDuel-102-130

We project 5.1 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate20.9% K / BF

vs LHB22.2%

vs RHB19.5%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)11.6%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload23.8 BF

Expected batters faced23.8

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection5.1 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness22.5% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Jarren Duran (L)25.4%3.0

2. Mickey Gasper (L)19.6%3.0

3. Wilyer Abreu (L)21.7%3.0

4. Willson Contreras (R)27.4%3.0

5. Ceddanne Rafaela (R)19.7%3.0

6. Andruw Monasterio (R)20.1%2.8

7. Marcelo Mayer (L)22.2%2.0

8. Connor Wong (R)24.1%2.0

9. Nick Sogard (L)22.7%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-120-110

BOLBetOnline-120-108

BRBetRivers-114-117

BOVBovada-125-105

DKDraftKings-117-109

FDFanDuel-120-102

We project 5.1 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate20.6% K / BF

vs LHB21.2%

vs RHB20.2%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)12.4%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.8 BF

Expected batters faced22.8

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.9 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness22.7% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Colt Keith (L)24.7%3.0

2. Kevin McGonigle (L)15.2%3.0

3. Dillon Dingler (R)20.6%3.0

4. Riley Greene (L)26.2%3.0

5. Spencer Torkelson (R)31.2%2.8

6. Zach McKinstry (L)19.0%2.0

7. Matt Vierling (R)20.0%2.0

8. Wenceel Pérez (L)18.8%2.0

9. Gage Workman (L)28.4%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+120-160

BOLBetOnline+122-159

BRBetRivers+125-167

BOVBovada+125-165

FDFanDuel+124-166

We project 4.9 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate23.1% K / BF

vs LHB22.0%

vs RHB23.5%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)13.0%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.9 BF

Expected batters faced22.9

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.9 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness20.2% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Ketel Marte (R)19.3%3.0

2. Jorge Barrosa (R)21.3%3.0

3. Geraldo Perdomo (R)16.2%3.0

4. Jonathan Loáisiga (R)22.0%3.0

5. Ildemaro Vargas (R)14.6%2.9

6. Gabriel Moreno (R)22.6%2.0

7. Jose Fernandez (R)23.7%2.0

8. Tim Tawa (R)22.0%2.0

9. Ryan Waldschmidt (R)19.7%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+100-135

BOLBetOnline+107-139

BRBetRivers+106-141

BOVBovada+110-145

DKDraftKings+112-143

FANFanatics+105-140

FDFanDuel+114-152

We project 4.9 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate19.9% K / BF

vs LHB19.5%

vs RHB21.5%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)12.9%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.2 BF

Expected batters faced22.2

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.7 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness22.5% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Matt McLain (R)20.9%3.0

2. Elly De La Cruz (L)25.2%3.0

3. Spencer Steer (R)21.1%3.0

4. Dane Myers (R)21.3%3.0

5. Sal Stewart (R)20.1%2.3

6. Nathaniel Lowe (L)25.3%2.0

7. Tyler Stephenson (R)26.1%2.0

8. TJ Friedl (L)22.8%2.0

9. Ke'Bryan Hayes (R)19.6%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-120-110

BOLBetOnline-127-102

BRBetRivers-122-109

BOVBovada-125-105

DKDraftKings-125-102

FANFanatics-130+100

FDFanDuel-122+100

We project 4.7 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate23.5% K / BF

vs LHB22.1%

vs RHB23.9%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)14.8%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload21.1 BF

Expected batters faced21.1

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.5 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness21.0% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Nico Hoerner (R)10.7%3.0

2. Michael Busch (L)21.1%3.0

3. Alex Bregman (R)18.8%3.0

4. Ian Happ (L)28.8%2.1

5. Seiya Suzuki (R)26.9%2.0

6. Matt Shaw (R)20.8%2.0

7. Carson Kelly (R)20.0%2.0

8. Pete Crow-Armstrong (L)21.5%2.0

9. Dansby Swanson (R)20.1%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

BOLBetOnline+130-169

BRBetRivers+120-159

BOVBovada+125-165

DKDraftKings+120-153

FDFanDuel+124-166

We project 4.5 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate21.0% K / BF

vs LHB22.5%

vs RHB20.4%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)11.9%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.7 BF

Expected batters faced22.7

From recent starts2

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.8 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness21.9% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Trea Turner (R)18.4%3.0

2. Bryce Harper (L)21.5%3.0

3. Jhoan Duran (R)22.0%3.0

4. Edmundo Sosa (R)23.2%3.0

5. Adolis García (R)25.0%2.7

6. Bryson Stott (L)17.5%2.0

7. J.T. Realmuto (R)20.3%2.0

8. Justin Crawford (L)21.7%2.0

9. Brandon Marsh (L)27.0%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 5.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

BOLBetOnline+110-143

BRBetRivers+120-162

BOVBovada+105-135

DKDraftKings+117-150

FDFanDuel+102-136

We project 4.8 K vs the 5.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate18.6% K / BF

vs LHB18.0%

vs RHB20.7%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)12.2%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.4 BF

Expected batters faced22.4

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.6 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness23.6% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Will Brennan (L)19.7%3.0

2. Drew Gilbert (L)20.4%3.0

3. Casey Schmitt (R)23.3%3.0

4. Rafael Devers (L)27.3%3.0

5. Jesus Rodriguez (R)22.0%2.4

6. Matt Chapman (R)24.8%2.0

7. Bryce Eldridge (L)24.8%2.0

8. Harrison Bader (R)25.8%2.0

9. Eric Haase (R)24.3%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+125-165

BRBetRivers+120-162

BOVBovada+125-165

DKDraftKings+118-151

FDFanDuel+130-160

We project 4.6 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate22.2% K / BF

vs LHB21.1%

vs RHB23.5%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)14.4%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload20.8 BF

Expected batters faced20.8

From recent starts4

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.4 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness21.8% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Austin Martin (R)20.0%3.0

2. Trevor Larnach (L)19.4%3.0

3. Victor Caratini (L)19.1%2.8

4. Kody Clemens (L)24.4%2.0

5. Josh Bell (L)24.9%2.0

6. Luke Keaschall (R)17.2%2.0

7. Brooks Lee (L)17.3%2.0

8. Tristan Gray (L)25.3%2.0

9. James Outman (L)28.3%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+105-140

BOLBetOnline+110-143

BRBetRivers+105-139

BOVBovada+110-145

DKDraftKings+110-140

FANFanatics+105-140

FDFanDuel+110-146

We project 4.4 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate20.7% K / BF

vs LHB26.2%

vs RHB17.9%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)9.6%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload23.9 BF

Expected batters faced23.9

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.6 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness20.7% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Angel Martínez (R)18.9%3.0

2. José Ramírez (R)15.1%3.0

3. Petey Halpin (L)21.7%3.0

4. Rhys Hoskins (R)25.7%3.0

5. David Fry (R)25.3%3.0

6. Travis Bazzana (L)20.3%2.9

7. Steven Kwan (L)18.0%2.0

8. Austin Hedges (R)21.7%2.0

9. Brayan Rocchio (R)19.5%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-130-105

BOLBetOnline-110-118

BRBetRivers-115-115

BOVBovada-120-110

DKDraftKings-127+100

FANFanatics-115-115

FDFanDuel-118-104

We project 4.6 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate20.1% K / BF

vs LHB22.9%

vs RHB19.4%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)10.3%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.5 BF

Expected batters faced22.5

From recent starts7

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.5 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness20.6% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Hunter Feduccia (L)23.1%3.0

2. Jonathan Aranda (L)24.8%3.0

3. Junior Caminero (R)16.8%3.0

4. Ryan Vilade (R)20.8%3.0

5. Jonny DeLuca (R)23.8%2.5

6. Chandler Simpson (L)16.7%2.0

7. Nick Fortes (R)18.2%2.0

8. Taylor Walls (R)19.7%2.0

9. Richie Palacios (L)21.9%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-105-125

BOLBetOnline+106-137

BRBetRivers+108-143

BOVBovada+110-145

DKDraftKings+108-137

FDFanDuel+108-144

We project 4.5 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate22.0% K / BF

vs LHB23.0%

vs RHB20.6%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)10.3%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload20.2 BF

Expected batters faced20.2

From recent starts7

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.4 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness22.4% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Alika Williams (R)22.1%3.0

2. Shea Langeliers (R)21.8%3.0

3. Nick Kurtz (L)23.5%2.2

4. Brent Rooker (R)25.4%2.0

5. Tyler Soderstrom (L)18.6%2.0

6. Henry Bolte (R)22.6%2.0

7. Jeff McNeil (L)17.4%2.0

8. Zack Gelof (R)24.1%2.0

9. Lawrence Butler (L)26.2%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-125-105

BOLBetOnline-122-106

BRBetRivers-122-109

BOVBovada-120-110

DKDraftKings-129+101

FDFanDuel-115-105

We project 4.4 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate20.6% K / BF

vs LHB21.7%

vs RHB20.0%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)11.6%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.4 BF

Expected batters faced22.4

From recent starts8

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.3 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness20.1% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Carson Benge (L)19.5%3.0

2. Bo Bichette (R)18.1%3.0

3. Juan Soto (L)19.0%3.0

4. Vidal Bruján (L)20.9%3.0

5. Brett Baty (L)23.6%2.4

6. Marcus Semien (R)19.3%2.0

7. A.J. Ewing (L)20.0%2.0

8. Tyrone Taylor (R)20.1%2.0

9. Hayden Senger (R)20.3%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 3.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-155+115

BOLBetOnline-154+119

BRBetRivers-167+125

DKDraftKings-158+123

We project 4.3 K vs the 3.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate19.2% K / BF

vs LHB20.3%

vs RHB19.7%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)8.9%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload23.1 BF

Expected batters faced23.1

From recent starts4

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.5 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness21.5% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Esteury Ruiz (R)23.0%3.0

2. Liam Hicks (L)13.4%3.0

3. Christopher Morel (R)24.3%3.0

4. Leo Jiménez (R)19.5%3.0

5. Owen Caissie (L)28.0%3.0

6. Jakob Marsee (L)21.4%2.1

7. Connor Norby (R)26.3%2.0

8. Joe Mack (L)22.0%2.0

9. Javier Sanoja (R)15.9%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

BOLBetOnline+128-167

BRBetRivers+125-167

BOVBovada+125-165

DKDraftKings+130-167

FANFanatics+130-170

FDFanDuel+124-166

We project 4.5 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate23.4% K / BF

vs LHB24.9%

vs RHB21.0%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)11.8%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload19.8 BF

Expected batters faced19.8

From recent starts3

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.3 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness21.6% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Jeremy Peña (R)17.9%3.0

2. Isaac Paredes (R)17.9%2.8

3. Yordan Alvarez (L)20.2%2.0

4. Christian Walker (R)21.9%2.0

5. Zach Cole (L)26.3%2.0

6. Braden Shewmake (L)21.1%2.0

7. Brice Matthews (R)25.6%2.0

8. Cam Smith (R)22.8%2.0

9. Christian Vázquez (R)20.9%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate20.3% K / BF

vs LHB20.0%

vs RHB21.9%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)14.5%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload21.5 BF

Expected batters faced21.5

From recent starts7

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.0 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness20.2% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Maikel Garcia (R)14.8%3.0

2. Bobby Witt Jr. (R)19.2%3.0

3. Vinnie Pasquantino (L)16.2%3.0

4. Salvador Perez (R)22.4%2.5

5. Starling Marte (R)22.9%2.0

6. Jac Caglianone (L)25.0%2.0

7. Isaac Collins (L)22.6%2.0

8. Michael Massey (L)18.0%2.0

9. Kyle Isbel (L)20.7%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Under

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+120-160

BOLBetOnline+128-167

BRBetRivers+120-162

DKDraftKings+124-159

FANFanatics+125-165

We project 4.0 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Under. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate20.4% K / BF

vs LHB23.1%

vs RHB19.8%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)5.0%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.1 BF

Expected batters faced22.1

From recent starts6

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.8 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness22.1% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. J.P. Crawford (L)16.6%3.0

2. Julio Rodríguez (R)22.5%3.0

3. Randy Arozarena (R)23.4%3.0

4. Josh Naylor (L)20.4%3.0

5. Dominic Canzone (L)22.7%2.1

6. Luke Raley (L)24.1%2.0

7. Cole Young (L)25.8%2.0

8. Colt Emerson (L)21.6%2.0

9. Jhonny Pereda (R)22.3%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 4.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-125-105

BOLBetOnline-130+100

BRBetRivers-136+102

BOVBovada-135+105

DKDraftKings-141+111

FANFanatics-140+105

FDFanDuel-140+106

We project 4.8 K vs the 4.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate16.2% K / BF

vs LHB22.1%

vs RHB15.7%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)8.1%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.1 BF

Expected batters faced22.1

From recent starts7

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection4.3 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness21.9% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Paul Goldschmidt (R)19.5%3.0

2. Ben Rice (L)25.6%3.0

3. Aaron Judge (R)22.2%3.0

4. Cody Bellinger (L)15.4%3.0

5. Trent Grisham (L)24.3%2.1

6. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L)25.4%2.0

7. Anthony Volpe (R)20.1%2.0

8. Ryan McMahon (L)24.6%2.0

9. J.C. Escarra (L)19.7%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 3.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM-135+100

BOLBetOnline-132+102

BRBetRivers-155+116

BOVBovada-135+105

DKDraftKings-134+105

FDFanDuel-140+106

We project 4.3 K vs the 3.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Pitcher strikeouts Rate15.4% K / BF

vs LHB20.3%

vs RHB15.2%

K-BB% (command-adj. skill)5.8%

How often he gives up strikeouts to the batters he faces, by hand.

Workload22.0 BF

Expected batters faced22.0

From recent starts7

How deep he tends to go — the count multiplier.

Projection3.8 K

Expected strikeouts — built from how his rate stacks up against each hitter in the lineup, across his projected plate appearances.

Opposing Lineup · K-proneness22.9% avg

BatterRateExp PA

1. Kyle Higashioka (R)22.6%3.0

2. Brandon Nimmo (L)22.1%3.0

3. Josh Jung (R)18.8%3.0

4. Jake Burger (R)23.2%3.0

5. Danny Jansen (R)23.9%2.0

6. Ezequiel Duran (R)23.0%2.0

7. Justin Foscue (R)23.8%2.0

8. Alejandro Osuna (L)24.2%2.0

9. Evan Carter (L)24.5%2.0

Each hitter's strikeouts rate vs this pitcher's hand, and the plate appearances he's projected to see.

Strikeout Line · O/U 3.5we lean Over

BookOverUnder

MGMBetMGM+125-165

BOLBetOnline+120-156

BOVBovada+125-165

DKDraftKings+124-159

FDFanDuel+130-160

We project 3.8 K vs the 3.5 line — leaning Over. Display only — not betting advice.

Best MLB Strikeout Pitcher Matchups — Monday, May 18, 2026

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) is the top strikeout start on the Monday, May 18, 2026 board at 100, projected for about 6.2 K, with Bryan Woo (SEA) right behind. Every starter on the slate is ranked by how many strikeouts the matchup sets up — his whiff rate, the lineup he's facing, how deep he goes, and his command. It's the same read DFS and strikeout-prop players make before lock.

Top strikeout spot: Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) is the best strikeout matchup on the board at 100, projected for about 6.2 K against SD. He's missing bats at a 26% clip — strikeouts per batter faced — and SD has been around league average, going down 22% of the time. He's lined up for about 24 batters, so the volume's there for a big number.

The rest of the top of the board

Bryan Woo (SEA) (94) — about 6.1 K vs CWS: a 26% K/BF arm into a lineup that whiffs 24% of the time.
Shota Imanaga (CHC) (83) — about 5.8 K vs MIL: a 26% K/BF arm into a lineup that whiffs 21% of the time.
J.T. Ginn (ATH) (77) — about 5.7 K vs LAA: a 21% K/BF arm into a lineup that whiffs 27% of the time.
MacKenzie Gore (TEX) (76) — about 5.8 K vs COL: a 23% K/BF arm into a lineup that whiffs 25% of the time.
Shane McClanahan (TB) (73) — about 5.7 K vs BAL: a 25% K/BF arm into a lineup that whiffs 24% of the time.

Whiffiest lineups to attack today

LAA is striking out 27% of the time in this spot — J.T. Ginn is the arm to exploit it (77).
COL is striking out 25% of the time in this spot — MacKenzie Gore is the arm to exploit it (76).
BAL is striking out 24% of the time in this spot — Shane McClanahan is the arm to exploit it (73).
CWS is striking out 24% of the time in this spot — Bryan Woo is the arm to exploit it (94).

How it played out

The top 10 starts averaged 6.3 strikeouts. Top play Yoshinobu Yamamoto punched out 8. We grade every projection against the box score so you can see how the board held up.

How to read these strikeout matchups

Each starter's score (0–100) weighs his strikeout ability against every hitter in the lineup, hand by hand, then factors in how deep he tends to pitch and his command. Higher means more whiffs point his way. The exact weighting is our own — we project a strikeout count and grade every start against what actually happened.

Keep reading

Frequently asked questions

Which pitcher has the best strikeout matchup today (Monday, May 18, 2026)?: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) — top of the board at 100, projected for about 6.2 K against SD. A 26% K/BF arm into a lineup that whiffs 22% of the time.
What are the best pitcher strikeout props today?: The top projected-K starts on Monday, May 18, 2026: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (~6.2 K), Bryan Woo (~6.1 K), Shota Imanaga (~5.8 K), J.T. Ginn (~5.7 K), MacKenzie Gore (~5.8 K). The full board ranks every starter.
How many strikeouts did the top matchup get on Monday, May 18, 2026?: Yoshinobu Yamamoto punched out 8.
How is the strikeout matchup score calculated?: It weighs each starter's strikeout ability against the specific hitters he's set to face, hand by hand, then factors in how deep he tends to pitch and his command. Scores are set 0–100 across the slate, with a projected strikeout count alongside. The exact way those pieces are weighted and combined is our own model, tuned weekly against results.
Is the strikeout board about pitchers or hitters?: Pitchers. Every card is a starting pitcher, ranked by how many strikeouts the matchup sets up — his stuff against the lineup he's facing. So a higher score is good for the pitcher (and his K prop), not the hitters.
What's the projected strikeout number?: A rough expected K total for the start, from how similar matchups have gone. It's a reference for comparing starters against each other, not a promise he throws exactly that many.
What does K/BF mean?: Strikeouts per batter faced — the share of hitters a pitcher strikes out. Around 22% is league average. Swing-and-miss starters run 30%+. We split it by batter handedness, which is what a daily matchup is asking.
What is K-BB%, and why does it matter?: Strikeout rate minus walk rate — a command-adjusted read on swing-and-miss skill, and one of the most stable, predictive pitcher numbers there is. A high-K-BB% arm misses bats without handing out free passes, which keeps the strikeout upside real.
Why does the opposing lineup matter so much?: A strikeout takes two. An elite arm gets fewer against a contact lineup, and a mid-rotation guy can pile them up against a whiff-prone one. The model reads each hitter's K rate vs the pitcher's hand, so the same starter grades very differently depending on who he draws.
What's the confidence meter?: How much data backs the read — sample size on the pitcher and the hitters he faces, plus whether the lineup's official. It's a measure of how solid the projection is, not a probability.
Can I use these for strikeout props or DFS?: Yes — that's the point. The board surfaces which starters have the best strikeout conditions and projects a count. Where there's a line, we show the over/under and which side our number leans. We don't post picks — we show the data and grade it. (Best-price odds and the Plays of the Day are a Pro feature.)
Are these confirmed or projected lineups?: Strikeout projections ride on the opposing lineup, so before a team posts officially (~2 hours before first pitch) we project it from their last game, then update once it's set. A pitcher facing a still-projected lineup is flagged so you know the number can still move.
Is MatchWiz free?: Yes — the full board, every game page, and the daily archive, no login. Best-price odds and the betting tools are the paid tier.