We've got two NRFI picks today. First off, I'll take a NRFI bet in the Mariners vs Astros contest, where our pitching matchup works perfectly. After that, I'm happy to bet another NRFI in the D-backs and Giants game.
See our MLB NRFI picks today!
NRFI Pick Today: Mariners vs Astros (-125)
Mariners vs Astros Odds -- Game Time 8:10 p.m. ET
With only eight teams in action Monday, I'm lucky the Astros and Mariners square off at 8:10 p.m. ET. Seattle's offense has improved since the trade deadline, but not enough to strike fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers. So, the M's remain a NRFI-dominant club at 87-69 NRFI with only a week of baseball remaining. The Astros are also a surprisingly low-scoring club in the first inning at 85-71 NRFI.
Hunter Brown (21-8 NRFI) has been one of Houston's best arms this season, and he'll take the ball with a hefty advantage over Seattle. Brown performs very well against the Mariners, holding active hitters to a .645 OPS (.308 SLG) in 78 at-bats. Meanwhile, Bryce Miller (25-5 NRFI) starts for Seattle. He's excellent against the Astros, holding them to a .220/.273/.415 slash line in 82 at-bats.
It's a lucky break that these two teams square off during such a sparse day for baseball.
NRFI Pick Today: Giants vs D-backs (-115)
Giants vs D-backs Odds -- Game Time 9:40 p.m. ET
If you've followed my picks for a while, you know I normally love the D-backs as a YRFI bet. After all, Arizona owns the best first-inning OPS in baseball (.932) and boasts one of the deepest lineups in the game. But weird things happen when Eduardo Rodriguez pitches for them, and I mean weirder things than him chucking up a 5.00+ ERA in eight starts.
Despite Rodriguez's struggles this year, the lefty has not yielded a run in the first inning. The 31-year-old has faced 30 batters and yielded just five hits, limiting opponents to a .555 OPS. I can bet confidently in this matchup, as the Giants (.220 BA) don't represent a real scoring threat. Mike Yastrzemski (1.042 OPS) is the only good first-inning hitter on their roster. After that, there's nothing to fear.
Hayden Birdsong (12-2 NRFI) must wrangle the D-backs offense, but I have faith. The rookie owns a 1.29 ERA in the first inning through 14 starts.
