Left on Base

What is Left on Base in Baseball?

Left on base (LOB) refers to the number of runners a team or player strands on base by the end of an inning. If a baserunner reaches safely but is not driven in before the third out is recorded, they are considered “left on base.”

From a team perspective, LOB shows how many scoring opportunities were missed. From an individual standpoint, it tracks how many runners were left on base during that player’s plate appearances, not necessarily how many they personally stranded.

How is Left on Base used?

Left on base is used to measure offensive efficiency and how well a team capitalizes with runners in scoring position. A high team LOB total can signal missed chances, especially in close games. On the other hand, consistently stranding runners limits run production and puts pressure on pitching and defense.

From a player’s point of view, individual LOB is often used in tandem with other situational stats like batting average with runners in scoring position (RISP) or clutch hitting metrics. Managers and analysts look at LOB to assess whether hitters are converting when it matters most.

How to calculate Left on Base?

Team LOB is calculated by counting the number of runners left on base at the end of each inning.

Individual LOB is credited when a player makes an out while runners are on base, and those runners are not able to score during that inning.

Left on Base Examples

New York Yankees vs New York Mets: July 6, 2025

In the New York Yankees 6-4 win over the Mets, the Yankees left 7 players on bases, while the Mets left 7 players on base as well.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN202507060.shtml

Baltimore Orioles vs Kansas City Royals: April 4, 2025

In the Royals 8-2 win over the Orioles, the Royals left 8 players on bases, while the Orioles left 4 players on base.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA202504040.shtml

Filed under Statistics