The wave of pitcher injuries early in the season is hitting MLB futures bettors hard.
The fight against Gerrit Cole began before the 2024 season even started.
Cole’s attempt to defend his American League Cy Young title ended when he was sidelined with an elbow injury in mid-March, keeping him sidelined at least through May and likely beyond.
The injury hurt punters who were betting on the Yankees ace to win Cy Young for the second year in a row. Ace was a favorite to win before his elbow troubles, but he is currently suspended by most major sportsbooks.
Since then, things have only gotten worse.
In the National League, Spencer Strider, who was a preseason favorite to win, was also sidelined with an elbow injury.
The Braves’ flamethrower was a +375 favorite on opening day, but is currently off the roster as the baseball world awaits his return.
Strider had high expectations among sports bettors heading into the season.
As of April 11, Strider has won 13.9 percent of bets and 24.4 percent of handles for the National League Cy Young Award at BetMGM Sportsbook, both numbers by far in the field. That’s the most.
On the same day as the Stryder news, the Guardians announced that starter Shane Bieber will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, knocking out yet another Cy Young candidate on the junior circuit.
The Beavers came in at +1200 to win, but after two strong starts to open the season, they started to gain support from bettors.
Learn everything you need to know about MLB betting
Although he won’t pitch again until at least 2025, Bieber currently has the second-highest handle (12.7%) behind Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (19.4%).
Just like that, it’s not even half of April yet.
These injuries leave Baltimore’s Corbin Burnes (+450, BetMGM) and Zack Wheeler (+500, BetMGM) as the current leaders in their respective races.
The spate of injuries to pitchers last month served as a reminder to always be cautious when betting on vulnerable pitching arms.
