As we approach the weekend in MLB, we'll gladly hop on a few NRFI picks today. The Blue Jays-Astros pitching matchup offers a great NRFI pick, while the Yankees-Reds showdown provides a great YRFI pick.
Here are our NRFI picks for today.
NRFI Pick Today: Astros vs Blue Jays (-115)
Houston vs Toronto Odds - Game Time: 1:07 pm ET
I was a little hesitant to make any NRFI picks in this series due to Houston's powerful bats, but so far, the Astros offense has delivered zero YRFIs during this series. It was the Jays who scored in the first yesterday, defying the odds against Ronel Blanco.
History would suggest this contest is destined for a successful NRFI bet. While Framber Valdez (12-2 NRFI) hasn't been quite the same as years past, he's no slouch in the first inning, posting a 2.57 ERA and allowing a .639 OPS. Of course, he also daddies the Jays, holding active Toronto hitters to a .571 OPS in 56 at-bats. Notably, top-of-the-order guys like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2-for-10) and George Springer (0-for-7) have found little success vs Valdez.
On Toronto's end, Chris Bassitt has rattled off 11 consecutive NRFIs, bringing his season record to 15-2 NRFI. That's really all I need to see, though I'm terrified of his matchup vs Yordan Alvarez. The 3x All-Star is 8-for-18 lifetime vs Bassitt with five homers and 11 RBIs. Yikes! I'll be holding my breath when the big Cuban steps into the box, and if Bassitt can set him down, then our NRFI bet is safe.
YRFI Pick Today: Reds vs Yankees (-135)
Cincinnati vs New York Odds - Game Time: 1:05 pm ET
Generally, you'd be profitable this season if you bet YRFI in every Yankees game, as the Bronx Bombers are the second-best YRFI squad in baseball this year (48-40). New York and Cincy kept it scoreless last game, but Thursday's pitching matchup should assure things aren't as polished this time around.
Marcus Stroman (5-12 YRFI) allowed a first-inning run last time around during a start in Toronto, where he had a meltdown on the mound and freaked out at his infielders. My guy is rattled, and that plays well for our YRFI bet.
More importantly, Franke Montas (4-11 YRFI) goes for the Reds, and, kids, the Yankees rake this guy. Active Yanks hitters are batting .385 vs Montas with a 1.064 OPS. Aaron Judge is 2-for-7 with a double, while Alex Verdugo is 4-for-8 with a double, too. I anticipate Montas having trouble navigating the top of his Yankees order, so expect fireworks to fly on this lovely Fourth of July.
