As major league baseball heats up, the focus shifts to key player prop bets that can boost fantasy lineups. With eight games on the schedule, notable matchups like the Boston Red Sox against the Cincinnati Reds and the Seattle Mariners facing the Kansas City Royals take center stage. Among the highlighted bets, Garrett Crochet stands out, boasting an impressive strikeout record, while Chase Burns shows promise as a newcomer racking up strikeouts. George Kirby also makes the list with a favorable outs recorded prop against a struggling Royals lineup.

Betting insights reveal that Crochet has hit the over for 7.5 strikeouts in five of his last six starts. Burns, despite a tough debut, has potential with a solid strikeout percentage from the minors. Kirby, while having struggled early this season, has rebounded and is positioned for a strong outing as the Mariners rely on him for length due to a taxed bullpen. These prop bets not only present strong value but also reflect current player performance trends.

The Boston Red Sox pitching rotation has struggled this season, relying heavily on Garrett Crochet's stellar performance and the growth of Bryan Bello. However, injuries to key players like Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck have left a void, particularly with Lucas Giolito and Walker Buehler underperforming. Buehler's recent outing against the Los Angeles Angels, where he allowed seven walks and five runs, highlighted the urgent need for a reliable starter.

As the trade deadline approaches, ESPN's Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel have identified Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta as a prime target for the Red Sox. Averaging 140 innings with a 3.49 ERA over the last four seasons and boasting a low-cost option for 2026, Peralta represents a significant upgrade. With a current ERA of 2.76 in 16 starts, he could create a formidable pitching tandem with Crochet. The Red Sox may consider offering Wilyer Abreu and RHP David Sandlin to secure Peralta's services for a playoff push.

The Boston Red Sox (40-40) are set to face off against the Los Angeles Angels (38-40) in Anaheim, with Garrett Crochet starting for Boston and Tyler Anderson for Los Angeles. The Angels won the first game of the series 9-5, highlighted by Zach Neto’s impressive performance, recording 3 hits, including a home run, and 2 RBIs.

For the matchup, the Red Sox are favored at -198 on the moneyline, while the Angels sit at +163. The spread is Red Sox -1.5 with a total of 8.0 runs. Recent trends suggest the Red Sox have won 12 of their last 20 games. Anderson's home starts indicate a high likelihood for unders, shown by his 71% rate.

The Boston Red Sox's recent trade of Rafael Devers has sent shockwaves through the MLB community, sparking heated discussions among players and fans. Shortstop Trevor Story described the trade's timing as 'weird' given the team's current performance. Manager Alex Cora was the only one to address the team post-trade, leaving players feeling unsettled. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow bears significant blame for the deal, stemming from unresolved issues with Devers dating back to last offseason. Breslow had signed Alex Bregman, effectively sidelining Devers, who felt disrespected and disillusioned. Starting pitcher Walker Buehler, accustomed to mid-season trades, stated that while players may not be entitled to an explanation from management, it would be prudent for Breslow to communicate with the team.

Boston's ace, Garrett Crochet, echoed Buehler's sentiments, emphasizing the need for the team to focus on their upcoming games rather than dwelling on Devers's absence. He acknowledged Devers's significant presence in the lineup but called for a collective effort to push forward and maintain momentum after a successful week that brought them back to .500. As players grapple with this monumental change, their immediate focus shifts to a pivotal three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, setting the stage for a dramatic encounter when they face Devers for the first time in San Francisco.

Aaron Judge faced Garrett Crochet for the first time since 2021, struggling initially with a 0-for-6 record and six strikeouts against the Red Sox ace. However, in a critical moment in the ninth inning, Judge broke the shutout with a game-tying hit. Despite his efforts, the Yankees ultimately could not secure the win. Judge praised Crochet, recognizing his impressive pitching skills, which contributed to a stellar season, including a remarkable 2.24 ERA and an MLB-leading 117 strikeouts.