All 30 teams are in action on Friday, April 24, and I’ve got a trio of MLB picks for YRFI and NRFI bettors tonight.
My favorite NRFI bets start with a matchup between the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds and wrap up with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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Tigers at Reds: NRFI (-115)
Both the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds rank below average in wOBA against left-handed pitching and first-inning scoring rate.
Detroit left-hander Framber Valdez has been sharp in four of five starts (3.30 ERA, 3.28 xERA), while Cincy starter Andrew Abbott's 5.84 ERA and 1.74 WHIP are well above his respective career marks of 3.42 and 1.24 through his first 75 starts — so he’s set for statistical correction going forward.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: CINR, DSN
Twins at Rays: NRFI (-125)
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen has been sharp in three of four starts, sporting a tidy 2.75 ERA and 0.66 WHIP while holding opposing hitters to a .141 average and .220 wOBA.
The Minnesota Twins counter with Taj Bradley, who’s posted a similarly solid line with a 1.63 ERA and 3.55 xFIP while limiting opponents to a .226 average and .276 wOBA.
Scoring in the opening frame also hasn’t been a calling card for either club. The Twins have plated a first-inning run in just 32% of their games, while the Rays are even lower at 29.2%.
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: RAYS, MNNT
Pirates at Brewers: NRFI (-142)
I’m anticipating a pitchers' duel breaking out at American Family Field between Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes and Milwaukee Brewers righty Brandon Woodruff, and this game carries the lowest total of the day.
Skenes sports a sterling 1.27 ERA and 0.66 WHIP across his past four starts. Meanwhile, Woodruff has been sharp at home dating back to last season, boasting respective 3.14 and 0.91 marks across 43 frames.
Most importantly for Woodruff, he’ll likely face four left-handed hitters at the top of the Pittsburgh lineup — and he’s held lefty bats to a pedestrian .240 on-base percentage and .263 wOBA to start the year.
- Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: BREW, SNP
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 1-2, -1.15 units
What is a NRFI bet?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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