MLB strikeout projections today: Paul Skenes leads top pitchers for September 18, 2026

Our MLB strikeout projections for Friday, September 18, 2026, feature Paul Skenes of the Pirates as the top projected pitcher, according to Dimers Pro’s latest simulation data.

Today’s pitching projections are powered by our MLB model, which simulates every game thousands of times to estimate outcomes like strikeouts, outs recorded, and earned runs allowed.

Strikeout projections for September 18, 2026

See which pitchers join Skenes on today’s leaderboard, with supporting projections included.

• Paul Skenes (Pirates): 5.86 Ks, 15.50 outs, 1.59 earned runs, 4.11 hits
• Nick Pivetta (Padres): 5.70 Ks, 16.65 outs, 2.16 earned runs, 4.34 hits
• Ian Seymour (Rays): 5.69 Ks, 17.52 outs, 2.60 earned runs, 5.31 hits
• Dylan Cease (Blue Jays): 5.67 Ks, 15.32 outs, 1.85 earned runs, 3.87 hits
• Tyler Glasnow (Dodgers): 5.33 Ks, 14.72 outs, 1.87 earned runs, 3.64 hits
• Chase Burns (Reds): 5.22 Ks, 13.29 outs, 2.08 earned runs, 4.35 hits
• Bryan Woo (Mariners): 5.06 Ks, 16.08 outs, 2.60 earned runs, 5.57 hits
• Dustin May (Brewers): 5.03 Ks, 16.58 outs, 2.56 earned runs, 5.31 hits
• Gerrit Cole (Yankees): 4.88 Ks, 16.85 outs, 2.39 earned runs, 4.80 hits
• Grayson Rodriguez (Angels): 4.83 Ks, 13.72 outs, 2.19 earned runs, 4.40 hits

For September 18, 2026, Skenes tops today’s MLB strikeout projections with 5.86, followed by Nick Pivetta at 5.70. Ian Seymour, Dylan Cease and Tyler Glasnow round out the top five.

Want to explore the full slate? Check out today’s MLB pitcher projections to sort by strikeouts, outs, or earned runs for every starter.

Plus, check out the other side of the action with Friday's top 10 home run predictions.

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