Saturday is a dream slate for a gambler in the month of May. The Kentucky Derby, NBA/NHL playoffs, UFC, boxing and a MLB full slate make for a perfect non-football weekend. Specifically in MLB, we have plenty of investment opportunities after looking at the umpire rotation.
Even better: We have certain pitchers we cannot trust on Saturday no matter who calls balls and strikes. Yu Darvish currently has the largest walk rate (16.9%) of any pitcher with at least 20 innings pitched. He takes on a Cardinals team has great splits against righties (fourth in wOBA and third in wRC+).
Before diving into the analysis below, be sure to check out colleague Danny Donahue's complementary piece about the importance of monitoring the boys in blue. This column will integrate advanced stats on projected pitchers and hitting lineups to help get wagers to the window. As always, check the Action App for my latest MLB bets.
Find all MLB umpire assignments and betting records here.
Umpire Betting Trends
Seattle Mariners at Cleveland Indians
Umpire: Phil Cuzzi
- Home Record: 262-190, 58% (27.59 units)
- Under Record: 242-189, 56.2% (34.06 units)
- Total: 8.5
- Time: 4:10 p.m. EST
- Projected Wind: Inwards from Centerfield, 7.5 mph
Phil Cuzzi has been a bankable home and under play since BetLabs began tracking data on umpires in 2005. The pitching matchup should give us a perfect storm in this afternoon tilt for an Under.
If you have followed my podcast partner Stuckey for any number of years, 'Road Leake' continues to be an MLB favorite.
Good ole reliable road Mike Leake
— Stuckey (@Stuckey2) July 10, 2013
Mike Leake was shelled in his last outing, a 15-1 home loss to the Rangers. Leake takes to the road against Cleveland, a team he already has a quality start against this season.
Carlos Carrasco is the story in this game, as he fanned 12 Mariners in seven innings on April 17. The Indians pitcher has the worst BABIP (.420) of any major league starter with at least 20 innings. Look for Carrasco to dominate this struggling Mariners lineup once again.
Blue Bet: Under 8.5
Oakland Athletics at Pittsburgh Pirates
Umpire: Jerry Meals
- Home Record: 240-228, 51.3% (-24.03 units)
- Under Record: 211-227, 48.2% (-28.65 units)
- Total: 7.5
- Time: 7:05 p.m. EST
- Projected Wind: Straight to right field, 5 mph
The Pirates were taken to the woodshed on Friday, losing 14-1 to the visiting Athletics. Pittsburgh will need a short memory, as A's hurler Chris Bassitt comes off two excellent starts.
Umpire Jerry Meals has the splits to support a road team bet, along with a high-scoring game. The Athletics should oblige the over, as they have scored at least four runs in every game since April 18. Oakland has the second-best strikeout percentage in MLB at 19.4%. The A's should make Pirates starter Trevor Williams work for every out.
✅First four-hit game of his career
✅Team record eight RBI by a catcher
✅First A's player with eight RBI since 2001Turn it over to @MLBNetwork right now to watch Josh talk about his record-breaking night! #RootedInOaklandpic.twitter.com/SZmvv3yXxp
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 4, 2019
Blue Bet: Athletics -105 and Over 7.5
