There are plenty of options on the diamond for YRFI and NRFI bettors on Tuesday, April 21, and I’ve got a trio of MLB picks to cover you throughout the 15-game slate.
My best NFRI bets start with the Houston Astros' visit to the Cleveland Guardians, while the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels are rounding out my betting card tonight in a yes run first inning play.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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- YRFI
Astros at Guardians: NRFI (-109)
With Cleveland Guardians lefty Parker Messick next to unhittable to start the season, he’s set to shift into cruise control again early against the Houston Astros, and I’m confident Ryan Weiss can navigate the first frame Tuesday with the top of the Cleveland lineup struggling.
Guardians Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, and Kyle Manzardo are mired in a 7-for-51 slump the past five games, which leaves star Jose Ramirez on an island in the three hole. And, returning to Messick, he’s been brilliant with just three runs allowed through 25 2/3 innings across his four starts.
- Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SCHN, CleGuardians.TV
Orioles at Royals: NRFI (+102)
The Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals respectively rank third and last in percentage of games scoring a run in the first inning, so even with the wind forecasted to be howling out at Kauffman Stadium, I’m expecting starters Shane Baz and Kris Bubic to post zeros in the opening frame.
Baltimore hasn’t scored an opening-inning run on the road all season, and Kansas City is the lowest-scoring team in the opening frame for the year and second-lowest scoring team overall, too.
- Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Royals.TV, MASN
Blue Jays at Angels: YRFI (-120)
The Los Angeles Angels are third in OBP and seventh in wOBA against left-handed pitching this season, and the top of their lineup has righties Zach Neto, Mike Trout, Jo Adell, and Jorge Soler all crushing southpaws to start the year.
So, this is a daunting matchup for Toronto Blue Jays veteran Patrick Corbin given his 5.46 ERA and 5.68 xERA dating back to 2021.
Toronto is also set up for success with Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz’s 3.47 ERA is well below his 5.09 xERA, and respective 6.81 and 5.89 marks across 111 innings in 2025.
Plus, the Blue Jays are in the midst of heating up at the dish with 15 runs across consecutive wins.
- Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: ESPN
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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