With the second half of the 2017 MLB season set to get underway, now is the perfect time of the year to reflect back on what we saw over the first half of the season in order to improve your betting percentages moving forward. By understanding why the teams with the best records for betting the under on the total have performed the way they have we can more accurately assess whether or not they will continue to be a team we should target when betting the under. Here is a look at the best teams for betting the under on the totals so far this season with their records for the over, under and push in brackets.
Cleveland Indians
Over-Under Record: 31-50-6
Cleveland has been in an MLB-best 50 games that have remained under the total so far this season. That number accounts for just under 58-percent of their total games played. While their offense has shown steady improvement throughout the season a dominant pitching staff has resulted in games that end up staying under the total. The Indians pitching staff owns the third-best ERA in the majors, the second-best WHIP and the fifth-best BAA. Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Mike Clevinger have been outstanding in the starting rotation. Meanwhile, Andrew Miller and Cody Allen have led a solid bullpen. The sportsbooks won’t adjust the lines for the Indians games much based on the potential for their offense to explode at any point. That means Cleveland should remain a smart team to bet the under with over the second half of the season.
Colorado Rockies
Over-Under Record: 35-50-6
The Rockies are tied with Cleveland for the most games that have remained under the total so far this season with 50 each. That is a testament to both inflated lines and an improved pitching staff. The fact that Colorado plays in the elevation at Coors Field means that the sportsbooks will usually adjust their lines expecting higher scoring games. The Rockies rank fifth in the majors in runs scored this season, but their pitching staff has been much better than a year ago. Kyle Freeland, Tyler Chatwood and Jon Gray in particular have been solid. They have been one of the best teams in baseball when it comes to betting the under and that should continue.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Over-Under Record: 37-46-6
Despite their offense being a major disappointment this season, the Pirates pitching staff has helped them hover at least within reach of the .500 mark to this point in the season. Injuries and suspensions have taken their toll on the Pittsburgh offense with Starling Marte’s 80-game PED suspension in particular a major issue. Meanwhile, Jameson Taillon and Ivan Nova have led a pitching staff that has held its own this season. The Pirates rank ninth in the majors in quality starts and their pitching staff owns the 12th-best ERA. Pittsburgh will have a tough time climbing above .500 the rest of the way but they should remain a reliable option for betting the under.
Los Angeles Angels
Over-Under Record: 38-49-5
The Angels have managed to deliver better than average pitching numbers despite injuries taking their toll throughout the season. Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker and Tyer Skaggs have all spent time on the DL but the Los Angeles pitching staff still ranks 13th in the majors in ERA. Meanwhile, the offense has been a major disappointment once again as they rank just 25th in runs scored this season. Mike Trout has held his own with a .337 average and 16 home runs but he hasn’t received enough help. That likely won’t change the rest of the way as the Angels continue to be one of the more reliable MLB teams when it comes to betting the under.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Over-Under Record: 39-45-5
Arizona has been one of the surprise contenders in baseball this season with a 53-36 record at the All-Star break. 45 of their games have remained under the total while 39 have gone over the number. The Diamondbacks rank seventh in the majors in runs scored thanks to dominant performances from Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Lamb, Chris Owings and David Peralta. However, their pitching staff has been even better as they own the second-best ERA in the majors this season. Zack Greinke owns a 2.86 ERA while Robbie Ray has produced a 2.97 ERA. Arizona is one of the higher scoring teams but as long as their pitching staff continues to dominate and the sportsbooks keep the numbers for their games high they should remain a reliable team when it comes to betting the under over the second half of the season.
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