Recognizing how lefty versus righty dynamics shape performance allows you to spot edges
Lefty vs. righty matchups play a huge role in MLB betting markets, especially when it comes to player prop bets. Baseball has long been a game of splits, where handedness often dictates performance outcomes. Understanding these tendencies can give bettors an edge when deciding on props like total bases, hits, strikeouts, or home runs.
For hitters, the advantage is often tied to seeing the ball more clearly and handling pitch movement differently depending on the pitcher’s arm. Left-handed batters generally fare better against right-handed pitchers because the ball comes from the opposite side, making breaking pitches easier to track.
Right-handed hitters tend to have the same benefit against left-handed pitchers. Prop bets on hits, runs, or even doubles can become more attractive when a batter with strong splits faces a pitcher whose arsenal plays into those tendencies.
Pitchers also display splits that bettors should weigh carefully. A right-handed pitcher might dominate right-handed batters but struggle to retire lefties if his secondary pitches aren’t effective against opposite-handed hitters.
Strikeout props, earned runs, and hits allowed can swing heavily depending on how well a pitcher has historically performed against the handedness of the opposing lineup.
Handedness matchups also matter at the bullpen level. Managers often bring in relievers based on these situations, which means the starter’s stats only tell part of the story. If a team’s bullpen is weak against lefties, for example, a left-handed slugger might be a solid over bet on total bases or RBIs later in the game.
