Baseball Betting: Rays Top Producer Against Left-Handed Starters

The ability to hit left-handed pitching can make or break many Major League Baseball squads. Most starting pitchers in the majors are right-handed. So, hitters can struggle at certain times to adjust to a left-hander that is thrown into the mix. Many left-swinging hitters are overmatched against any kind of capable left-handed hurler. The ability of a team to handle left-handed pitchers can be a challenge. Based on the circumstances of a schedule, clubs may face a good amount of lefty starters or just go against them every once in awhile. For example, the Tampa Bay Rays have played almost half of its games this season against left-handed starters. Through May 23rd, Tampa has played 20 contests against left-handed starting hurlers. In contrast, the Houston Astros have played only 8 games against left-handed starting pitchers this season. With a 15-5 record against lefties, the Rays have been the most profitable squad in the majors against lefty starters with +8.1 units. The Pittsburgh Pirates (8-6 vs. left-handed starters) are next on the list at +7.6 units. The next squad on the list could be considered a bit of a surprise. With two of the top left-swinging batters in all of baseball, the Minnesota Twins are a team that would seem to be a little vulnerable to left-handed pitching. However, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are capable enough at the plate to adjust against lefties. This season, the Twins are 9-4 against left-handed starters for +5.2 units of profit. Phillies mediocre against lefties Like Minnesota, the Philadelphia Phillies have a couple of the top left-swinging hitters in baseball. Led by Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, Philly has one of the most explosive lineups in the majors. However, left-handers have slowed down the Phillies so far this season. Philadelphia (5-7 vs. left-handed starters) is the least profitable team against lefty starters for -7.2 units. With a 5-9 record, the Seattle Mariners are next on the list at -5.4 units. A slow start by slugging first baseman Prince Fielder has contributed to Milwaukee's problems against lefties this season. The?  Brewers (-5.3 units) are 5-9 against left-handed starters. The San Francisco Giants have also dropped -5.3 units versus lefty starters with a 6-9 mark in 2010. Another NL West club has been mediocre against lefties this season. The Los Angeles Dodgers (6-7 vs. left-handed starters) have lost -5.1 units against left-handers.