After years of seeing the Houston Astros crush the ball, it's a bit strange to see them struggling to score in 2025. Especially in the first inning, where the 'Stros are scoring at the lowest rate in the majors.
My MLB picks for Tuesday are betting on no runs in the opening frame of their matchup against the Blue Jays. Check out all three of my best NRFI/YRFI bets for April 22.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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YRFI (-111 at ProphetX)
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NRFI (-127 at ProphetX)
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NRFI (-120 at ProphetX)
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NRFI/YRFI bets for April 22
Yankees at Guardians: YRFI (-111 at ProphetX)
The Cleveland Guardians are sending Tanner Bibee and his ugly 5.85 ERA to the hill for today's game against the New York Yankees. Bibee has been rocked in the opening frame this year, pitching to a 9.00 ERA with an OBA of .313 in the first inning through four starts.
He'll have a tough time navigating the top of the order against a New York squad stacked with sluggers. The Yankees lead the majors in OPS (.810) and have scored a run in the first inning in 43.5% of their games — the second-highest number in the game.
The Yankees are starting Will Warren, who pitched to a 10.32 ERA in five starts last year and has a 5.17 ERA in four starts this season. The 25-year-old has poor control and gives up hard contact, sitting in the Bottom 20th percentile of the majors in walk rate, average exit velocity, and hard-hit rate.
Padres at Tigers: NRFI (-127 at ProphetX)
The San Diego Padres have a loaded lineup on paper but are currently decimated by injuries with Luis Arraez, Jackson Merrill, and Jake Cronenworth all sidelined. The Friars are averaging 3.0 runs per game over their last six contests and face Detroit Tigers righty Jack Flaherty today.
Flaherty pitched to a 2.95 ERA in 18 starts with Detroit last year before being traded to the Dodgers. He re-signed with the Tigers in the offseason and has a 2.53 ERA in four starts this year. He hasn't allowed a single run in the first inning this season while holding opponents to a BA of .083.
San Diego is giving the ball to Nick Pivetta, who is in the midst of a career-best season. The veteran has a 1.57 ERA with an expected ERA of 2.63 through four starts.
Blue Jays at Astros: NRFI (-120 at ProphetX)
The Houston Astros have plated a run in the first inning in just 13.6% of their games this season — the worst number in the majors.
The Stros are 26th in the majors in OPS (.637) and are batting just .226 against right-handers. That's bad news against Toronto Blue Jays righty Chris Bassitt tonight. Bassitt has a 0.77 ERA through four starts, and while that's unsustainable long-term, his xERA of 2.86 is also very impressive.
Meanwhile, Ronel Blanco is toeing the rubber for Houston. Blanco has an ugly 6.48 ERA through four starts, but his 4.88 xERA — along with his sparkling 2.80 ERA in 28 starts last year — suggest positive regression will come. The Jays have an OPS of just .639 against righties like Blanco.
❓What are NRFI and YRFI bets❓
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
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