It’s October which means postseason baseball. If you’re betting on the MLB playoffs, here are some simple tips and trends to follow on the road to the Fall Classic.
Bet on bullpens
While starting pitchers are still the key to capping baseball in October, bettors will want to put more consideration into how each teams’ bullpen is made up. Manager are quick to yank a stumbling starter or look for a better matchup in clutch spots, so relievers get a lot more run in the postseason. Be mindful of a team’s bullpen depth and reliability, especially when it comes to the closer, and also keep close tabs on bullpen use and how much these relief arms have left in the tank as a series goes on.
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Hot hitters
If a team is in the playoffs, chances are they’re solid through the first five bats of the lineup. But it’s those guys at the back of the order that can really make a difference in these close games. Baseball bettors can find value grabbing a team with solid options at the No. six, seven, eight, and nine spots and should also look at what the lineup has for pinch hitters off the bench. October has made plenty a hero of those back-up bats over the years, and having a reliable pinch hitter in reserve can be key to getting those clutch runs.
Starter stamina
Depending on how deep a pitching rotation goes, some starters will be called to action on short rest during the playoffs. In those spots, baseball bettors should take a close look at a starter’s previous effort – checking how much tread it left on the tires – as well as how the pitcher reacts to minimal rest. Some hurlers welcome the challenge while others just don’t have the gas tank to go deep into those starts on short rest.
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Late-inning live bets
Postseasons are made for live betting, especially the Major League playoffs. Late-game heroics are gold for live bettors, so always be on the lookout for those opportunities. Games tend to go according to plan in the opening five innings, when both teams march out their selected starters. But when the bullpens get involved and the pressure builds, that’s when it gets interesting. Bettors can find in-game value on home teams or pregame favorites trailing by a slim margin in the final innings of a playoff game, offering solid returns to comeback and win. Live bettors can also grab good middling opportunities when it comes to postseason totals.
For more baseball betting insight during the playoffs, visit our MLB home page and be sure to follow us on Twitter @Covers for the best MLB news and notes. This October, “Winning Starts Here”.
