PrizePicks is one of the best DFS platforms in the U.S. It’s built around Pick’em games—stat-based contests where you guess if an athlete will go higher or lower the projection that PrizePicks sets.
One of the MLB stat categories PrizePicks has is pitching outs. This is one of the cooler options that PrizePicks offers.
It's essentially a fun way to test if you can figure out how long a pitcher stays on the mound.
With PrizePicks, every out that a team records while that pitcher is pitching counts as an out, regardless of how the out happens. So, no matter whether it's a strikeout, ground out, pop fly, or anything else, each out counts as a pitching out.
If you’re still unsure what counts as a pitching out on PrizePicks or how to play it, keep reading and I’ll break it down further.
If you’re new to the app, you can get a $50 bonus after playing a $5+ lineup and using code ODDS100 when signing up.
What Are Pitching Outs on PrizePicks?
Pitching outs are the number of outs a pitcher racks up while on the mound. In baseball, three outs make up an inning, so a pitcher’s total outs can show how many innings they’ve completed.
Here are some examples:
- One full inning pitched = 3 pitching outs
- Six full innings pitched = 18 pitching outs
- Nine full innings pitched = 27 pitching outs
Pitchers often get pulled in the middle of innings, in which case they are awarded pitching outs for any outs that are already recorded. Let's take a look at some more examples:
- A pitcher starts the game and is pulled after the first out in the 5th inning. This would equal 13 pitching outs.
- A pitcher starts the game and is pulled after the second out in the 7th inning. This would equal 20 pitching outs.
- A pitcher starts a game and pitches three full innings. Then, in the 4th inning, with no outs recorded, the pitcher is pulled. This would equal 9 pitching outs.
Every out recorded while the pitcher is on the mound counts toward their total, no matter how it happens. That includes:
- Strikeouts: When the pitcher gets the batter out without the ball being hit in play.
- Groundouts and flyouts: outs from balls hit to the defense.
- Player caught stealing: When a baserunner tries to steal and gets thrown out by the catcher.
- Pick-off: When the pitcher throws the ball to his teammate, who tags the baserunner out in between pitches.
Essentially, if the pitcher is in the game when an out happens, it counts as a pitching out on PrizePicks.
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How Do Pitching Outs Work on PrizePicks?
On PrizePicks, you’ll see a number set for how many outs a pitcher is expected to record in a game. Your goal is to predict whether the pitcher will go over or under that projection.
For example, PrizePicks may set Gerrit Cole’s projection at 18.5 pitching outs. That means you’re chooing if he’ll pitch for over 6 innings + 1 outs (19 pitching outs) or fall short.
Here are a couple of key things to keep in mind:
- All outs count: Outs from base running mistakes, pickoffs, errors, and double plays still add to the pitcher’s total, even if they didn’t directly make the play.
- Early exits hurt: If a pitcher gets pulled early—whether it’s a rough performance or their pitch count is maxed—they only get credit for the outs they recorded while on the mound.
You can also bundle up to six selections from different MLB games into a single entry. The more picks you add, the higher your payout multiplier.
Check out this guide for a breakdown of payouts across different entry sizes on Pick’em platforms like PrizePicks—it’ll give you a clear idea of what payouts to expect for MLB pitching out entries.
Tips for Picking Higher or Lower on Pitching Outs on PrizePicks
These tips could help you get an edge when making PrizePicks calls for pitching outs.
- Check the pitcher’s track record: Look at how many innings the pitcher typically throws in their recent games. Multiply that by 3 to get a rough idea of their average pitching outs. For instance, if they usually pitch 6 innings, they average around 18 outs.
- Look at the opposing team’s offense: Teams with hot bats—think power-hitting lineups like the Phillies—tend to knock pitchers out of games earlier. On the flip side, if the opposing lineup is struggling or banged up, the pitcher might stay in longer.
- Injury reports matter: If the pitcher’s team has injuries, they might struggle defensively, leading to shorter outings. On the other hand, if the team they’re facing is dealing with injuries, the pitcher might dominate and stick around for more innings.
- Check the schedule: If the team has a packed schedule or the pitcher is slated to start again soon, expect fewer innings. But if there’s a break coming up, the manager might let them throw for longer.
- Know the manager’s tendencies: Some managers are quick to pull their starters, especially if the bullpen is solid or if they’re protecting a lead. Others give their pitchers more leash.
- Pay attention to game context: Close games might keep a pitcher on the mound longer to lock down the win. Conversely, blowouts usually mean an earlier hook—whether the team is winning or losing big.
