Everyone’s favorite quick hitters. I found a couple of first-inning props that should get the sweat going to kick off the evening while still delivering a full thrill ride.
Let's dive into my favorite NRFI predictions and MLB picks on Tuesday, June 16.
Best NRFI/YRFI predictions today
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- YRFI
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- NRFI
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- NRFI
Giants at Braves: YRFI (-126)
One of my favorite matchups on the board today has the potential to produce a ton of runs, and we are all over the YRFI in this one, folks.
San Francisco Giants right-hander Adrian Houser takes the mound against an Atlanta Braves lineup that features seven hitters with at least a strongly rated matchup. Houser also enters the day as the lowest-rated pitcher on Batters-Box, so we have to be rooting for runs here. Through 13 starts this season, he owns a 9.00 ERA in the first inning, while allowing opposing hitters to slash .302/.409/.698.
Things do not get much better for Braves right-hander Grant Holmes, who owns the third-worst pitcher rating on the slate. He will have to navigate a Giants lineup featuring three elite-rated hitters and two more with strongly rated matchups. Through 13 starts, Holmes has posted a 4.83 first-inning ERA, allowing eight runs in those appearances.
With a combined nine elite-rated hitters and three strongly rated hitters in this matchup, I think the -126 price tag makes a lot of sense. I would be comfortable playing this up to -130.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: BravesVsn, NBCSBA
Blue Jays at Red Sox: NRFI (-142)
Back-to-back weeks taking an NRFI featuring Boston Red Sox right-hander Payton Tolle, who draws a Toronto Blue Jays offense that has not been making much hard contact or barreling the baseball over its last 12 road games. Meanwhile, Tolle has been nails in the first inning, posting a 2.00 ERA while allowing just two runs through nine starts. Opposing hitters are batting only .194 with a .242 OBP and .419 SLG against him in the opening frame.
On the other side, Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease has also been tremendous in the first inning, sporting a 3.00 ERA while allowing just five runs across 12 starts. Opposing hitters are batting .217 with a .280 OBP and .413 SLG. Cease also gets the luxury of facing a lineup that does not feature a single elite or strong-rated hitter in the current season timeframe ratings at Batters-Box.
Additionally, the Red Sox lineup features eight hitters with strikeout rates above league average and seven hitters with ground-ball rates above league average.
Sure, -142 is a heavily juiced price for an NRFI, but I would still play it at anything near this number. You could also consider pairing it with another prop from today's card.
- Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NESN, Sportsnet
White Sox at Yankees: NRFI (-131)
Series of the week, and I am rooting for a pitching duel in Game 1 between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees, as Gerrit Cole and Davis Martin take the bump for their respective teams.
The White Sox enter this matchup after taking down two of the National League's best, winning a series against the Dodgers this past weekend and the Braves in the series prior. Can they keep the momentum rolling against a red-hot ace?
Early on, I am leaning toward Cole recording a clean first inning. Through four starts this season, nobody has been able to touch him in the opening frame. He owns a 0.00 ERA, while opposing hitters are batting just .083 against him.
Martin has been impressive in the first inning as well. Through 13 starts, he has allowed only two runs in the opening frame, with opposing hitters batting .191 and carrying a .255 slugging percentage.
I am expecting some offensive regression from the White Sox following their first series win over the Dodgers since 2014. Meanwhile, with Aaron Judge out of the Yankees lineup, I think Martin can navigate the first inning cleanly and get in and out without any damage.
- Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: YES, CHSN
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 5-1, +2.1 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting 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 pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting 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 picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those 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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