MLB NRFI Bets, Picks | Joe Ryan, Jeffrey Springs Have Appealing Matchups
Via David Berding/Getty Images. Pictured: Joe Ryan #74 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch in his Major League debut against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning of the game at Target Field on September 1, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Shayne Trail breaks down his favorite NRFI/YRFI bets of the day below, but you can follow all of his bets in the Action Network app.
| Matchup | J. Ryan (Twins) vs. B. Keller (Royals) |
| First Pitch | 2:10 p.m. ET |
| Matchup | J. Wentz (Tigers) vs. J. Springs (Rays) |
| First Pitch | 1:10 p.m. ET |
We will be constructing our own No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bet today by closely examining the performances of two pitchers. This personalized bet can be created via DraftKings and Barstool sportsbooks. This NRFI bet is more unique than a traditional NRFI; it's simply combining two different half innings for the first inning of two different games, thus creating your own NRFI and allowing you to have a better edge.
Our first option today is the 26-year-old Twins pitcher, Joe Ryan. In 2022, he recorded an admirable 20-7 NRFI record. When facing batters for the first time through the order last season, he allowed only 33 hits in 228 at-bats, resulting in a respectable .150 average.
Ryan has been particularly exceptional against the Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. is 0-for-10 against him, MJ Melendez is 0-for-7, Vinnie Pasquantino is 1-for-5, and Salvador Pérez is 2-for-8. The Royals' first and second batters are 0-for-17 in their careers against Ryan.
Though the sample size is limited, the Royals are one of only five teams that have not recorded a hit in the first inning through three games this season. The Royals may attempt to field as many lefties as possible against Joe Ryan, but interestingly, his numbers are better against lefties than righties. Since entering the league in 2021, Ryan has faced 350 left-handed hitters, allowing only 61 hits, resulting in a .174 career average against lefties.
Our second option today is Rays pitcher Jeffrey Springs. Last season, Springs, like Ryan, posted a respectable NRFI record at 25-10, with an impressive 10-1 home NRFI split. In 2022, Springs held teams' leadoff hitters to a .194 average.
To begin the season, the Tigers have recorded one hit in the first inning across seven at-bats. Springs has limited experience against these Tigers hitters: Riley Greene is 0-for-2, Austin Meadows is 0-for-1, and Javier Baez is 2-for-3. This gives an edge to Ryan as the unfamiliarity will leave the hitters guessing more times than not.
The customized NRFI is priced at (-152) over at Barstool Sportsbook and (-167) on DraftKings.
As always, six outs to glory…
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