There are several ways to bet on MLB moneylines, totals and run lines. One way is “listed pitchers” and this simply means the two starting pitchers listed when placing the bet must start the game.
Let’s take a look at an example MLB moneyline bet from FanDuel:
The Cubs and Cardinals are playing and moneyline bets have four options.
1. Action: All bets will have action regardless of any late pitching changes.
2. Marcus Stroman: Stroman must start the game for the bet to have action.
3. Miles Mikolas: Mikolas must start the game for the bet to have action.
4. Both Pitchers: Both pitchers must start the game for the bet to have action.
If you’ve bet on both pitchers in the listed pitchers market, the bet is voided and refunded if either of the starting pitchers don’t start the game. This can be advantageous for MLB handicappers.
Let’s say you want to bet on the Cubs in the example above. If you only care about Stroman getting the start, you can bet on the Stroman listed pitcher market instead of both pitchers.
If Stroman doesn’t start, your bet will be refunded, but if Mikolas doesn’t start, the bet will still have action.
Advantages of MLB Listed Pitchers Betting Markets
There are numerous advantages and really no downside to betting on listed pitchers markets.
First off, by betting on listed pitchers, you know for sure the pitching match-up can’t change. The starting pitchers are the most valuable position when handicapping MLB games.
Having an ace show up as a late scratch can impact wagers in multiple ways. First, you may no longer like the team to win if the ace is not starting. Secondly, the odds for the bet will change drastically.
Let’s say you bet on the Astros at -220 to win because Verlander is on the mound. If he’s a late scratch, the odds will change and the Astros may only be a -150 favorite without their ace on the mound.
If you bet listed pitchers, your money is refunded if Verlander doesn’t start. If you still like the Astros to win with the new pitcher, you can get a much better price on them to win.
Sportsbooks offer listed pitchers to manage in-house risk, but bettors can also utilize the betting market to manage risk. In most cases, we recommend bettors utilize listed pitchers betting markets.
Where Can I Find Listed Pitchers MLB Betting Markets?
In recent years, a number of online sportsbooks have stopped offering listed pitchers betting markets and are only offering action bets, which means your bet is locked in regardless.
FanDuel is one of the biggest bookies to offer listed pitchers markets. Make sure you read the MLB rules at your sportsbook to learn whether or not they offer listed pitchers as an option when betting on MLB.
Some big shops like Pinnacle stopped offering listed pitchers bets, so don’t assume you’re placing a bet on listed pitchers until you’ve confirmed with your sportsbook first. You don’t want any surprises.
Read more of our expert sports betting guides.
