What Does LOB Mean in Baseball? Why It Matters on the Field

January 20, 2025
what does lob mean in baseball

In baseball, every statistic tells a story. Among the many acronyms, LOB is an important measure of a team's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and a pitcher's skill in high-pressure situations. But what does LOB mean in baseball, and why does it matter?

What is LOB in Baseball?

LOB stands for "Left on Base" and refers to the number of base runners who remain stranded when an inning ends. These runners reached base but did not score because of a strikeout, a fly-out, or other failed offensive attempts.

Team LOB vs. Individual LOB

  1. Team LOB: Measures the total number of runners left on base by a team at the end of each inning.
  2. Individual LOB: Tracks how many base runners a specific batter left stranded after their at-bats.

For example:

  • If a batter strikes out with runners on second and third, those two runners count as LOB for that batter.
  • If the inning ends with the bases loaded, the team’s LOB increases by three.

The Significance of LOB

High LOB numbers can indicate wasted opportunities, while low numbers suggest an efficient offensive approach. However, context is critical. Sometimes, high LOB can indicate a team is getting plenty of base runners but just not capitalizing on them.

Baseball LOB Meaning and Its Impact

Baseball game

For Batters: Missed Opportunities

When evaluating a batter’s clutch performance, individual LOBs can highlight how effective a player is in high-pressure situations. Players who frequently leave runners on base might struggle with situational hitting.

For Teams: Offensive Efficiency

A team that consistently leaves runners stranded is often seen as underperforming offensively. 

For example:

In the 2021 MLB season, the New York Yankees were criticized for their high team LOB despite having one of the most powerful lineups in baseball.

For Pitchers: Escaping Trouble

LOB isn't just about offense. For pitchers, LOB% (Left on Base Percentage) measures how effectively a pitcher prevents base runners from scoring. The league average LOB% for pitchers typically hovers around 72%. Elite pitchers often maintain a percentage above 80%.

Now, How is LOB Calculated?

Calculating LOB helps measure both team efficiency and pitcher performance. It’s tracked differently for teams and pitchers.

Team LOB Calculation

At the end of each inning, every base runner left stranded counts toward the team’s total LOB. For example:

  • Bases loaded with two outs, and the batter strikes out = 3 LOB for the team.

LOB% for Pitchers

For pitchers, LOB% is calculated as:

lob percentage calculation
  • H: Hits allowed
  • BB: Walks allowed
  • HBP: Hit batters
  • R: Runs allowed
  • HR: Home runs allowed

Remember: This formula accounts for the fact that home runs automatically clear the bases.

What is a Good LOB in Baseball?

Scoring efficiency isn’t always reflected in final scores. Sometimes, missed opportunities tell a bigger story.

Team LOB Benchmarks

  • 5-7 LOB per game: Average MLB team performance.
  • 10+ LOB per game: Indicates poor offensive execution.

However, a high LOB total doesn’t always signal failure. It can also mean a team consistently puts runners on base — a positive indicator of offensive productivity.

Pitcher LOB% Benchmarks

  • Below 70%: Poor at stranding runners.
  • 72-78%: League average.
  • 80%+: Excellent at preventing runners from scoring.

Some of the best pitchers in MLB history, like Clayton Kershaw, have maintained consistently high LOB% throughout their careers.

LOB During the Season vs. Playoffs and World Series

LOB takes on a different meaning in the playoffs. In the regular season, it shows consistency over time. In the postseason, it’s about clutch moments.

Take the 2019 Nationals. They averaged 7.6 runners left on base per game in the World Series but still won. Why? They got the hits that mattered most when it counted. On the flip side, the 2021 Giants left nine runners stranded in a deciding NLDS game against the Dodgers, which cost them their season.

Regular Season Stars vs. Playoff Slumps

Some players dominate the regular season but can’t deliver in October. LOB stats often highlight the difference.

For example, Bryce Harper's regular-season consistency is well-documented, but earlier in his career, his postseason numbers weren’t as strong. In the 2017 NLDS with the Nationals, Harper left several runners stranded in key spots, contributing to his team’s elimination.

It’s not just individuals—teams can also stumble. The 2022 Los Angeles Dodgers were dominant in the regular season, posting a franchise-record 111 wins, but their high LOB during the NLDS against the Padres proved costly. They couldn’t convert their chances, and their postseason run ended early.

It’s a reminder: postseason pressure is a different beast.

LOB in Key Situations

In tight baseball games, every missed scoring chance carries extra weight. Small moments often decide whether a team wins or loses.

High LOB in Close Games

Leaving multiple runners on base in a 1-run game often determines the outcome. Analysts frequently focus on team LOB numbers in close matchups to evaluate situational hitting.

Playoff Baseball: Spotlight on LOB

During the 2016 World Series, the Chicago Cubs left numerous runners on base throughout the postseason. However, their strong pitching staff balanced this inefficiency by preventing opposing teams from scoring in similar situations.

Clutch Hitters vs. LOB

Certain players are known for thriving under pressure. A batter with a low individual LOB in key moments is often referred to as “clutch.”

College Baseball and LOB

LOB matters in college baseball, too. With shorter seasons and win-or-go-home playoffs, every missed chance feels bigger.

  • College Teams Example: During the 2023 NCAA College World Series, LSU left fewer runners on base than their opponents in key matchups, contributing to their championship run.
  • Player Highlights: Standout college players with high batting averages in RISP situations often have lower individual LOB stats. For example, Dylan Crews (LSU) in 2023 was notable for converting key opportunities into runs.

Why Do Teams Analyze LOB So Closely?

Rearview shot of baseball players standing together in solidarity

Offensive Adjustments

Teams with consistently high LOB often review:

  1. Plate discipline.
  2. Approach with runners in scoring position.
  3. Situational hitting strategies.

Pitching Strategy

High LOB% among pitchers is typically a result of:

  1. Effective pitching with runners in scoring position.
  2. Ability to generate strikeouts in critical moments.
  3. Strategic pitch selection in tight spots.

Advanced Metrics

Advanced stats like wOBA (Weighted On-Base Average) and RISP (Batting Average with Runners in Scoring Position) are used alongside LOB for deeper analysis.

Historical Examples of LOB in Baseball

 These examples highlight how teams either overcame or suffered due to their LOB performance.

  • 2004 ALCSBoston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees: Despite leaving 12 runners on base in Game 4, the Red Sox managed a dramatic extra-inning win, sparking their historic comeback from a 3-0 series deficit.
  • 2016 World SeriesChicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians: In Game 7, the Cubs stranded 10 runners, but clutch pitching and timely hitting secured their first championship in 108 years.
  • 2019 World SeriesWashington Nationals vs. Houston Astros: The Nationals combined efficient situational hitting with key performances from Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto, turning opportunities into runs despite occasional high LOB numbers.

How Can Teams Improve Their LOB Numbers?

Improving LOB (Left on Base) numbers comes down to three key areas: smarter at-bats, disciplined approaches, and strategic player roles.

1. Situational Hitting Training

Players need to focus on making productive outs and advancing runners. For example, with a runner on third and less than two outs, a deep fly ball or a grounder to the right side can still get the job done. Coaches emphasize hitting to specific parts of the field depending on the situation.

2. Strategic Plate Approach

Discipline at the plate is crucial. Batters must avoid chasing pitches outside the strike zone, especially with runners in scoring position. A good approach often means waiting for a hittable pitch rather than swinging at something borderline.

3. Player-Specific Roles

Some players excel under pressure, while others struggle. Teams often rely on players with strong track records in clutch moments to bat in key situations. For example, a batter with a high average with runners in scoring position (RISP) will often get priority in high-stakes at-bats.

Improving LOB isn’t about chasing home runs—it’s about smart, situational baseball. When teams focus on these three areas, they’re far more likely to turn base runners into runs.

Key Takeaways - What Does LOB Mean In Baseball

  • LOB stands for "Left on Base."
  • It measures how many base runners remain stranded when an inning ends.
  • Team LOB highlights offensive efficiency.
  • Individual LOB reflects a batter's ability to deliver in key situations.
  • LOB% (Pitcher Stat) reveals how well a pitcher prevents runs from scoring.
  • Context matters — high LOB isn’t always negative if paired with consistent offensive opportunities.

So, next time you see LOB on the scoreboard, you'll know it’s more than just a random stat. It's a window into a team's ability to capitalize on their chances. 

About the author 

Brian Barcenilla

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