Action vs Listed Pitchers in Baseball

The following post explores action vs listed pitchers in baseball.

What does ‘action’ and ‘listed’ mean in baseball wagering? Sometimes starting pitchers are scratched on gameday in baseball. These options allow you to protect your wager when betting on baseball.

Read: Baseball Handicapping Checklist

Related: How to Bet Baseball

Sometimes pitchers get scratched for a variety of unexpected reasons, including injuries, illnesses, or sudden trades. When a starting pitcher is scratched, everything changes — odds, spreads, and the overall betting landscape. Understanding your options is key to protecting your bankroll.

Here’s what you need to know about action vs listed pitchers.

Overview

Since starting pitchers are so critical when betting on baseball, most sportsbooks offer bettors the option to choose between ‘action’ and ‘listed’ when placing a wager.

These options allow bettors to adjust their strategies depending on how confident they feel about the pitching matchup or if they want to lock in odds before any last-minute changes. Understanding the difference between ‘action’ and ‘listed’ is key to making informed decisions.

Action

Screenshot of Action vs Listed Pitcher Options in Mobile App

When you bet ‘action’, this means your bet is locked in no matter what happens. Even if the starting pitcher is scratched at the last minute, your wager stands at the original odds.

Pros:

• Lock in potentially favorable odds before a pitcher scratch.

• Useful when you’re confident in the team or overall matchup, not just the pitcher.

Cons:

• If the key pitcher is scratched, your bet may worsen in value or lose.

• Can result in riskier outcomes if the replacement pitcher is significantly weaker.

Listed

When you bet ‘listed’, your wager is dependent on both starting pitchers taking the field as announced. If either pitcher is scratched, your bet is voided and your money is refunded.

Pros:

• Protects your bankroll from unexpected scratches.

• Best choice when your bet heavily relies on a specific pitcher.

Cons:

• Missed opportunity to lock in favorable odds if the pitcher scratches in your favor.

Listed / Action

Some sportsbooks allow bettors to split the decision, designating one starting pitcher as action and the other as listed. This creates a hybrid bet where part of your wager is protected while part remains locked in, offering a balance of risk and flexibility.

Example

Imagine placing a $100 action bet on the Detroit Tigers as a -150 favorite vs the Chicago White Sox. Your bet relies heavily on Justin Verlander being the Tigers’ starting pitcher.

A few hours before gametime, Verlander is scratched due to back tightness. Detroit announces a long reliever will start. Oddsmakers adjust the line to -110.

• With action, your $100 bet stays locked in at -150, but you now face worse odds due to the pitcher scratch.

• With listed, your bet would be refunded, protecting your bankroll from the downgrade.

Conversely, if you had bet action on the Chicago White Sox +140, after Verlander’s scratch the line drops to +110. Your bet remains at +140, which could be a significant advantage.

Analysis and Strategy

• If your wager heavily depends on the starting pitchers, listed is usually the safer option.

• Action is preferable if you are confident in the overall team or want to lock in potentially advantageous odds.

• Consider the team depth, bullpen quality, and potential replacement pitchers before choosing action.

• Track historical scratches for teams or pitchers to see patterns—some clubs are more prone to last-minute changes than others.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, if your bet is largely predicated on the starting pitchers, it’s wise to choose ‘listed’ to protect your wager from unexpected scratches. Otherwise, ‘action’ is the default selection.