MLB Is Back In Limited Fashion, And The Scoreboard Odds Are Limited Too

Baseball players will report to camp early next month for a shortened season. Now the Oregon Lottery’s Scoreboard sportsbook has MLB futures live for Oregonians to consider.

The only legal sports betting app in OR doesn’t have a plethora of markets available on the 2020 season right now. It appears Scoreboard doesn’t have a lot of confidence in regional MLB franchises.

MLB futures live on Scoreboard right now

For the time being, there are only three options for Scoreboard customers. OR bettors can wager on which team will win the American League pennant, the National League pennant, and the 2020 World Series.

In other states like New Jersey, legal sportsbooks have myriad other futures. These include win totals for specific teams and which players will win certain awards.

There are also markets for which players will lead MLB in certain statistical categories. For example, Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story is +5,000 to lead the majors in hits at BetMGM in New Jersey.

While Oregonians don’t have access to BetMGM odds right now, they should later this year via a retail sportsbook at Spirit Mountain Casino. BetMGM also plans to launch a mobile app on the reservation, and statewide as soon as OR’s regulatory framework allows.

As the 2020 season gets closer, Scoreboard may diversify its markets to match what’s available elsewhere. For fans of the Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners, that will be welcome news.

Athletics, Giants, Mariners and Rockies odds at Scoreboard

There are two ways for Oregonians to bet on the Rockies’ fate this year. This includes Colorado winning the NL Championship Series and then the World Series.

The Rockies are +7,000 to reach the World Series for the second time in franchise history at Scoreboard right now. Only three NL teams have longer odds to play for MLB’s championship this year.

San Francisco is one of those teams. Scoreboard has the Giants +12,500 to make their first World Series appearance since 2014 right now.

Over in the AL, Oakland is part of the fourth tier of pennant contenders. The A’s sit at +1,200 to represent the AL in the 2020 World Series. Seattle is at the opposite end of the market.

Scoreboard has the Mariners at +25,000, the second-longest odds in the AL title market. Just making the playoffs this season would be a huge deal for Seattle fans, as the Mariners haven’t seen the postseason since 2001.

Of course, all teams’ main objective is a World Series title. Here’s where the four aforementioned clubs sit at Scoreboard in terms of winning it all in 2020.

Team	Line
Athletics	+2400
Rockies	+15000
Giants	+25000
Mariners	+50000

OR bettors considering these wagers should note that this season will look different than any other in recent history. This not only applies to rule changes but the status of players as well.

Rule changes, player options for 2020

Significant variances in rules for the 2020 season will include all teams using the designated hitter and runners on second base to start extra innings. Additionally, pitchers will bring their own rosin bags to mounds and are prohibited from using their saliva on balls.

Perhaps the greatest possible effect on MLB futures may be the status of key players, however. MLB will allow players to opt out of the coming season if they or a member of their immediate families are considered high-risk for COVID-19.

In addition, positive tests for the virus could hold players out of games. Prominent players are already testing positive. Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon is among them.

Just as the 2020 season will be unique for fans and players, wagering on the season could be unpredictable. That could mean great opportunities for OR bettors who get some lucky bounces.