My NRFI picks for today start out West, where the A's and Astros face each other in a likely NRFI scenario. From there, we'll pivot to a YRFI bet in the Tigers and Rockies contest.
See our MLB NRFI picks today!
NRFI Pick Today: Athletics vs Astros (-115)
A's vs Astros Odds -- Game Time 2:10 p.m. ET
I'm going to tail the same logic I applied in yesterday's NRFI picks. Houston offense stinks right now, and after another weak first-inning performance, the 'Stros now own a .286 OPS in the first inning over the last 14 days, by far the worst mark in baseball. That's even lower than the Rockies at a .337 OPS.
With the Astros down badly, it's a good time to bet the NRFI, as Mitch Spence (15-5 NRFI) starts for Oakland. He's not very reliable in the first inning, but he has posted a 3.89 ERA in his last eight starts, indicating some rhythm to his game of late. Spence should have it easy vs Houston's sour first-inning offense.
Meanwhile, Framber Valdez (22-3 NRFI) starts for Houston. He has delivered 10 consecutive NRFI performances and has held opponents to under a .300 slugging percentage in the first inning this year. Homers are back-breaking for our NRFI bets, so I can rest easy knowing Valdez's stinginess will play big against A's sluggers like Lawrence Butler and Brent Rooker.
YRFI Pick Today: Rockies vs Tigers (+110)
Rockies vs Tigers Odds -- Game Time 1:10 p.m. ET
Listen here, folks, it's always wise to bet the YRFI when Colorado is in action. Yes, Tarik Skubal (22-6 NRFI) is on the mound for Detroit, and, yes, the Rox own a .337 OPS in the first inning over the last two weeks, but it's never been Colorado's offense that gets the job done.
Our YRFI hero today is Ryan Feltner. The right-hander owns a 10-16 YRFI record and a 5.88 ERA, though that mark was once much higher. Opponents bat for an .804 OPS off him in the first inning, including a .465 SLG, which plays perfectly into a Tigers lineup that has undergone an offensive surge.
Detroit is on fire. The club is battling for that final AL Wild Card spot, and its first-inning success has been a huge part of that. The Tigers own a 1.178 OPS in the first inning over the last seven days. That big number comes with a .700+ SLG, so the Tigers will be hunting the hanging breaking ball from Feltner, ready to drive it out. At plus money, this YRFI bet is the way to go.
