Of course, there are plenty out there taking blind guesses at this stuff. It’s easy to pick the best hitting team or look at what happened in the last game. However, we spent the time pouring through the analytics to make sure that we give you the best odds to stay in the green on these NRFI and YRFI props for April 2.
Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.
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MLB NRFI and YRFI Picks – April 2
Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago White Sox
First Pitch – 7:40 pm EST
Guaranteed Rate Field – Chicago, Illinois
Broadcast – MLB TV
The Braves have scored first in two of their first four games. Both of the successes were due to Ozzie Albies taking the opposing pitcher deep in the second at bat of the game. He’ll get to bat right handed against Garrett Crochet in this one – and he hit .391 from that side last year. Add in that the Braves, who have an unchanged top of their lineup, were best in the league at scoring first last year (39.2%), and you can see what way I’m leaning.
However, it’s more than just the hot bats of the Braves that give me hope for the ‘Yes’ play here. The Braves send out Reynaldo Lopez to the hill, who has just 10 starts since the pandemic shortened season. He’s largely worked as a reliever and will be facing his old team – who knows plenty about his arsenal. The White Sox pitching situation is also suspect. Garrett Crochet may have had a good start to his year, but has just one start in his career.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for April 2: Yes (-120)
Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Atheltics
First Pitch – 9:40 pm EST
Oakland Coliseum – Oakland, California
Broadcast – MLB TV
Going into Monday night’s action, neither of these teams had been all that potent with the bats. The Red Sox were 0-4 in scoring in the first inning and the Athletics were 1-4. Both of the teams are in the bottom third of the league in terms of scoring. Additionally, the Oakland Coliseum is top 5 hardest in terms of park factors – which means we should avoid fluke longballs.
If we needed more reason to like the NRFI, how about the fact that each team has their opening day starter on the hill? Alex Wood didn’t look stellar in his start, but he did throw a three-up-three-down first on only nine pitches. Wood will also have the benefit of facing a lineup heavy on lefties – particularly at the top.
As for Brayan Bello, if he can get through the top of that Mariners lineup unscathed, I like his chances with this Oakland squad.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for April 2: No (-130)
If you’d like even more info to help make your NRFI picks for April 2, check out the MLB Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar with their MLB picks today.
