As the 2026 MLB season progresses, early data is starting to reveal which players are performing well and which pitchers might be vulnerable. This period often creates opportunities to target specific player props based on matchups, especially against struggling arms late in starting rotations.

Top Player Prop Selections for March 31

Analyst Jason Ence has pinpointed several key player props for Tuesday, March 31, featuring standout picks on Max Scherzer, Rafael Devers, and Francisco Lindor. Devers, in particular, is flagged for a prime opportunity to drive the Giants' offense against a specific Padres pitcher.

Rafael Devers Targeting German Marquez

Rafael Devers is strongly recommended to exceed his total bases prop when facing Padres right-hander German Marquez. Marquez has shown significant struggles, evidenced by a poor 7.16 ERA during spring training, where he surrendered three home runs in four starts.

Marquez's recent performance is concerning, as opponents slugged .438 against him in the spring. Devers, conversely, posted a strong .256 Isolated Power (ISO) against right-handed pitching last year. Given that Devers should see Marquez at least twice, an extra-base hit seems a likely outcome.

Furthermore, Devers has historically hit well against Marquez. In 13 at-bats against the righty, Devers holds a .462 average and slugging percentage, with an impressive 98.6 mph average exit velocity.

Max Scherzer's Favorable Pitching Environment

Max Scherzer is another focus, as the context surrounding his start suggests he could pitch deep into the game. Following a knee injury to Cody Ponce yesterday, which required five relievers to cover nearly seven innings, Scherzer is expected to receive extended leash today.

He faces an offense that has struggled to make consistent contact, posting just a .215 xBA this season. This lineup also exhibits high strikeout tendencies, ranking second in MLB with a 37.2% chase rate and third with a 34.9% whiff rate.

Scherzer's counterpart, German Marquez, had a dominant spring training with a 0.66 WHIP. However, Devers has been unlucky recently, evidenced by a high 62.5% hard-hit rate despite only a .333 slugging percentage. Tuesday offers him a chance to see those underlying metrics translate into better results.

Francisco Lindor and Other Considerations

While specific details on Francisco Lindor's prop are not fully detailed, he is listed among the key players to watch. The article notes that hitters who see the ball well against a specific pitcher often have historical success, even if small sample sizes are involved.

This trend is highlighted by a hitter (implied to be Lindor or another focus player) who performs well against right-handed pitchers, boasting a career .474 SLG and .204 ISO versus RHP. This contrasts with pitcher Pallante, who ranked in the fourth percentile for strikeout rate last season and lacks high velocity, making him a potential target for aggressive hitters.