Some people like to sweat out a bet for 9 hard innings – others like immediate satisfaction. Count us as being in the latter, which is why we like to get down with MLB NRFI and YRFI picks. And we’ve decided to pass that knowledge on to you with our NRFI bets for April 2. Go here for MLB World Series odds.
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
Texas Rangers vs. Cincinnati Reds
First Pitch – 12:40 pm EST
Great American Ballpark – Cincinnati, OH
Broadcast – MLB TV
In the matinee for Wednesday, I’m liking the NRFI. In the top half of the inning, the Rangers offense hasn’t looked great to start and are prone to striking out. That’s particularly bad news when you get someone like Hunter Greene in front of you. The fireballer lived up to his hype in his first game of the season – going five innings and striking out eight batters. While he did eventually give up two runs, those only came after he had slowed down in the later innings. The first three that he threw were spotless, and I expect more of the same in this one.
In the bottom half, the Reds’ bats have been mostly good this season. However, I’m willing to back Jack Leiter with as good as he looked in his first start. Similar to Greene, he gave up a run, but it was only after posting three flawless innings prior. Additionally, while he didn’t have the strikeout numbers as his counterpart – just four for the Vanderbilt-product – he did mostly stay out of trouble while fanning four. I like his chances to slam the door on the first frame.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for April 2: No (-135)
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Tampa Bay Rays
First Pitch – 1:10 pm EST
George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa, FL
Broadcast – MLB TV
Ryan Pepiot might not be the name brand pitcher you’re used to seeing int these types of articles, but he is throwing like one now. He went 6.0 innings in his season debut and struck out nine guys. He only allowed one earned run in that outing – although the Rays managed to give up another as a team. When you add in that the Pirates have not been good with the bats, you have to like this NRFI. They’re averaging just 2.5 runs per game at this early stage in the season, which makes it unlikely that they’ll get one early.
In the bottom half of the inning, we don’t have to make things complicated. Paul Skenes is, well, Paul Skenes. He looks exacly like we’d expect him to. He’s striking out big numbers and keeping guys in the park. He’s the least of the worries here, even with the Rays putting up some early numbers.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for April 2: No (-165)
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.
