Allow my NRFI picks today to add a burst of MLB betting success to the middle of your week.
NL Cy Young candidate Paul Skenes is on the hill Wednesday, so you can bet I'll play a NRFI in the Pirates game. For the later slot, I'm changing my tuneand picking a YRFI in the Cubs-A's game.
NRFI Pick Today: Pirates vs Rays (-145 at Sportsbook
)
Pirates vs Rays Odds - Game Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
The Pirates (4-2 NRFI) and Rays (3-2 NRFI) have been quiet in the first inning more often than not, though it's obvious — from both a picks and odds perspective — that Skenes is the golden goose here. We would not see a -145 NRFI without an ace pitcher like him. In his career, including a NRFI to start the 2025 season, Skenes owns a 1.88 ERA in the first inning with a .597 OPS against.
Meanwhile, Rays starter Ryan Pepiot carved in his last start (6 IP, 1 ER) and should have no problem against the Pirates paltry offense. The Bucs bats are hitting just .150 in the first inning to start the season.
YRFI Pick Today: Cubs vs A's (-110 at Sportsbook)
Cubs vs A's Odds - Game Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
The A's new park in Sacramento has been an absolute offensive zoo. In just the first 12 games at the park, there were 40 hits, 30 runs, and nine homers. The Cubs and A's aren't exactly offensive juggernaut teams either. Perhaps the increased winds due to lower minor-league stands create vortexes that carry the ball over the fence, like we saw with the Blue Jays at Sahlen Park in Buffalo in 2021.
Either way, I'll take my chances on a YRFI in this contest for the ripe price of -110. Kyle Tucker and the Cubs have gone crazy so far. Also, active Cubs hitters are 3-for-8 with four RBIs vs A's starter Jeffrey Springs. It's a limited sample, but it all matches my prediction for early runs Wednesday.
