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 July 21.
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 July 21. Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.
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MLB NRFI and YRFI Picks – July 21
Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
First Pitch – 6:40 pm EST
PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA
Broadcast – MLB TV
Kicking off our NRFI for the day is one of our favorite NRFI pitchers – Paul Skenes. Skenes strolls into action here as number two in the NL Cy Young odds – trailing only Zack Wheeler. That’s thanks to his 2.01 ERA and the 131 strikeouts in 121.0 innings. In his last three starts before the All-Star break (15.0 innings), he allowed just two earned runs while striking out 21. That comes out to a 1.20 ERA in that span. While the Tigers are definitely a dangerous team at the plate, I’d take Skenes to start an NRFI for us against just about anyone in the majors.
Another reason why I like Paul Skenes starts for NRFI plays is that the Pirates then have to hit. The Pirates are currently the worst team in the league when it comes to scoring in the first inning – just 0.32 first inning runs per game. They hold that spot across the whole game as well – 3.32 runs per game and another 30th place spot. On top of that, they’re notorious for not supporting Skenes in his starts. Jack Flaherty will get the assignment to try to keep them at bay. His season-long stats have been a little disappointing for the Tigers. However, he’s really dialed in over his last two starts. In those last two games, he’s logged 11.1 innings and allowed just four earned runs (3.18 ERA). That version should blank the Pirates with ease.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for July 21: No (-165)
Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs
First Pitch – 8:05 pm EST
Wrigley Field – Chicago, IL
Broadcast – MLB TV
Speaking of teams that are having trouble with that bats, the Royals get first hacks in this one. They currently rank 29th in runs per game with 3.43, which is only ahead of the aforementioned Pirates. They’ll face an opener in this one with Ryan Brasier getting the call to start for the Cubs. While an opener seems like a chance for them to change their fortunes, Brasier has been phenomenal all year. He’s got a 1.04 ERA on the year and last allowed an earned run on June 1st. Since that time, he’s put together a dozen scoreless appearances. If someone is going to get him off that trend, it isn’t going to be this Royals offense.
In the bottom of the inning, much like the top of the first in our last game, we are again playing with fire. The Cubs are a team that is near the top of the league in a lot of offensive categories. However, they have slowed down as of late. Despite posting a 4-1 record over their last five games, they have scored just 20 runs (4.0 per game). That’s 1.28 runs per game less than their season average. Now they’ll get Noah Cameron on the bump, who has been a breakout player for the Royals. He has a 2.31 ERA and has been even better than that lately. In his last three starts (18.1 innings), he’s allowed just two earned runs for a 0.98 ERA. We’re only looking for three outs here and I think he can get them for us.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for July 21: No (-120)
If you’d like even more info to help make your NRFI and YRFI picks for July 21, 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.
