As we turn the page on the first week in MLB, let my NRFI picks start your Tuesday off on a winning note.
I'm going for a NRFI in Toronto during the early evening, then I'm sticking with the Dodgers NRFI for the late game.
NRFI Pick Today: Nationals vs Blue Jays (-113 at Sportsbook
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Nationals vs Blue Jays Odds - Game Time: 7:07 p.m. ET
As the Washington Nationals face off against the Toronto Blue Jays today at Rogers Centre, the spotlight isn't so much on the pitchers but on the Nationals' early-game performance. Washington has kicked off the season with a 4-0 record in NRFI bets, highlighting their offensive challenges right from the start. Their first-inning struggles are evident, with a team OPS of just .220 in that frame this year.
On the mound for Toronto is Jose Berrios, who had a rough outing in the Blue Jays' home opener last week. He surrendered six runs over five innings, including three home runs, contributing to a 12-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Berrios acknowledged his shortcomings, stating, "I wasn't executing my pitches... they had a good day in the box." Despite this setback, Berríos has been a model of consistency in previous seasons, often pitching between 185 and 190 innings with an ERA ranging from 3.50 to 3.70. With this track record, it's reasonable to anticipate a determined performance from him today.
Opposing Berrios is Nationals' starter Trevor Williams. Historically, Williams has pitched six innings against Toronto, allowing three earned runs. While this is a limited sample size, it suggests he can hold his own against the Blue Jays' lineup.
Considering the Nationals' first-inning offensive woes and both pitchers' potential to settle in early, today's game might see a quiet start on the scoreboard.
NRFI Pick Today: Braves vs Dodgers (-115 at Sportsbook)
Braves vs Dodgers Odds - Game Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Betting on a NRFI with the Dodgers can be dicey, given their potent lineup. However, they've started the 2025 season with a 4-2 NRFI record, indicating a trend toward quiet first innings. With Freddie Freeman nursing a sore ankle, the top of the order features Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Teoscar Hernandez. Fortunately for Atlanta, Chris Sale has a solid history against these hitters, holding them to a combined 8-for-33, and limiting Ohtani to a .733 OPS.
On the flip side, Dustin May takes the mound for Los Angeles. Regardless of who's pitching, Atlanta's offense has been lackluster to start the season, with a team batting average of .144 and an OPS of .478. Given these factors, a scoreless first inning seems plausible in this matchup.
