Pick: ohtani over 7.5 strikeouts 

Despite recent trends, Shohei Ohtani is primed to dominate the LA Dodgers' lineup and surpass 7.5 strikeouts in tonight's MLB showdown.

If there's one thing we know about the baseball world, it's that Shohei Ohtani is a force to be reckoned with. The two-way phenom has been lighting it up on both sides of the ball for the LA Angels, and his pitching prowess is about to be on full display against the LA Dodgers tonight. While some may be concerned by his recent strikeout numbers, we're here to tell you why betting the over on Ohtani's 7.5 strikeouts at -110 odds is a move you won't want to miss.

First, let's dive into the numbers. Ohtani is currently averaging 7.5 strikeouts per game this season, with a slightly higher average of 8.14 strikeouts at home and 6.86 strikeouts on the road. However, it's important to note that he's racked up more than 7.5 strikeouts in 14 games this season and has matched or fallen below that mark in another 14 games. So, it's essentially a coin toss, right? Wrong. This is where we need to dig deeper and analyze some of the key factors that will come into play in tonight's matchup.

While it's true that Ohtani's recent strikeout numbers might raise some eyebrows—averaging 4.5 Ks over the last 20 games, 3.0 Ks over the last 10 games, and 3.0 Ks over the last 5 games—we cannot overlook the fact that he's still one of the best pitchers in the league. With a 31.7% strikeout rate and the second-best Skill Interactive ERA (SIERA) of his career, Ohtani is more than capable of turning it up a notch when it matters most.

Moreover, his home run rate may be at a career-high this season, but his ground-ball rate, exit velocity, and launch angle are all at their bests. This suggests that his home run rate should normalize, making him an even more formidable presence on the mound. So, what does this all mean for tonight's game against the Dodgers? Simply put, Ohtani is due for a bounce-back performance, and the stage is set for him to unleash his full potential.

The Dodgers may not be an easy matchup, but Ohtani's second-best projection according to numberFire's model indicates that he's more than up for the challenge. Furthermore, the Dodgers' lineup, though potent, is not immune to the strikeout. Given Ohtani's elite skill set and ability to miss bats, it's not far-fetched to believe that he'll rack up the Ks tonight and silence any lingering doubts about his recent performances.

While recent trends may suggest that Ohtani's strikeouts have been on the decline, it's essential to remember that this is a player who has consistently proven himself to be among the best in the league. Tonight's game against the LA Dodgers presents an opportunity for Ohtani to showcase his elite talent and remind everyone why he's one of the most exciting players to watch in the game today.

So, don't sleep on Shohei Ohtani tonight. Bet the over on his 7.5 strikeouts at -110 odds and get ready to witness a pitching performance for the ages. After all, when you're dealing with a player as dynamic as Ohtani, sometimes you just have to trust the process and believe in the magic.