Thursday's MLB slate is packed with 11 games, and we're zeroing in on a couple of early matchups for our top player prop picks. If you're looking to add some action to your day, we're backing a strikeout artist in Texas and a red-hot bat in Chicago.

First up, Texas Rangers right-hander Jack Leiter looks primed for a bounce-back performance. After a tough outing against the Dodgers' elite lineup, he gets a far more favorable assignment against the Oakland Athletics. Leiter's underlying metrics are elite—he sits in the 88th percentile in strikeout rate and the 94th percentile in whiff rate. That's a nightmare for an A's offense that strikes out at the second-highest clip in the majors. Expect Leiter to rack up the Ks and get back on track.

Our second play focuses on Tampa Bay Rays' cornerstone, Yandy Diaz. He's been one of the best hitters in baseball to start the season, slashing an incredible .369/.468/.569. Today, he faces a vulnerable White Sox pitching plan featuring bulk reliever Anthony Kay, whose underlying stats scream regression. With the platoon advantage and a helpful wind blowing out at Guaranteed Rate Field, Diaz is in a perfect spot to keep mashing and pad his impressive total bases count.

Finally, we're leaning against Cleveland's promising rookie Parker Messick to hit his strikeout total against Baltimore. While Messick has been solid, his stuff isn't overpowering, and he relies on batters chasing. That's a problem against a disciplined Orioles lineup that ranks among the best at avoiding strikeouts. This prop looks a touch too high given the matchup.