Run Line Meaning in Baseball Betting Explained
There are plenty of ways to bet on Major League Baseball games. Those who want to keep it simple by betting on an outright winner can go with the Moneyline bets. Plenty of money comes in on games to go over or under by placing wagers on the totals. Player prop and game prop odds can work as standalone bets or as part of a parlay.
Some who bet on baseball are partial to Run-Line bets. If you think a favored team will win by at least two runs, there are better odds in rolling with the favorite on the run-line than on the moneyline.
Run-line bets can also be used when making MLB picks and parlays.
Let’s look at the run-line meaning.
Breaking Down MLB Run Line Betting
What To Look For In Run Line Betting
When figuring out what is a run-line in baseball is, pretty much every game will feature one team favored by 1.5 runs and the other team would be the 1.5-run underdog. What to look for are the odds assigned to the run-line.
In one day with 14 games scheduled, the odds ranged from -220 for the Philadelphia Phillies to the +188 odds for the Atlanta Braves in run-line betting odds.
If a game approaches pick ’em status, there won’t be much difference between the odds. An example of this was a game between the visiting Milwaukee Brewers and the Colorado Rockies. There were even odds for the Brewers at -1.5 compared to -120 odds for the Rockies at +1.5.
It is never a bad idea to keep updated on baseball betting rules.
Consider Alternate Run Lines
If you don’t love the odds in the run-line, looking at alternate run-lines for additional betting options isn’t the worst idea.
There can be multiple ways to bet an MLB game. If you like a particular matchup, don’t be afraid to search for the best odds on the run-line.
Do Your Research
It can be difficult to determine the best betting trends early in the season. Looking back at the previous season can be beneficial. However, some teams make significant roster moves.
During the 2024 season, the Cincinnati Reds covered 55.6% of the time on the run-line, followed by the Kansas City Royals (55.4%) and the Detroit Tigers (55%).
The Chicago White Sox covered just 42% of the time on the MLB run-line.
Colorado set the pace at home by covering 53.2% of the time. Just three teams covered over 50% of the time as the home favorite. The New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, and Arizona Diamondbacks all covered more than 70% of the time as road underdogs.
Keep an eye on the MLB injury reports. A team playing without multiple key hitters or relief pitchers might be one to bet against. Also, check out how teams fare at home and on the road. Some teams deliver more as a road underdog than as a home favorite.
Pitching Matchups Matter
Not every game is the same.
Facing the Detroit Tigers when reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is the starting pitcher is a little different than when an unproven starter gets the ball.
As the season progresses, pitching depth will be tested. If a reliever is thrown into a spot start, it could provide an option to pick the other team in a run-line bet.
Run Line in Baseball FAQs
What is an example of a run-line bet?
If the Los Angeles Dodgers are listed as the -1.5 favorite against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers would need to win the game by at least two runs to cover.
What does +1.5 run-line mean?
A +1.5 run-line is assigned to the underdog. If the underdog loses by a run or wins outright, they would cover as the +1.5-run underdog.
What is a negative run-line?
A team with a negative run-line is considered the favorite.
