MLB NRFI Odds, Bets | Expert Picks for Drew Rasmussen, Nestor Cortes
Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images. Pictured: Drew Rasmussen.
- The Yankees’ Nestor Cortes and the Rays’ Drew Rasmussen are among the best starters pitching in Monday’s MLB slate.
- Expert Shayne Trail has targeted Cortes and Rasmussen for No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets.
- Continue reading for analysis on his picks.
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 | Drew Rasmussen (TB) vs. Trevor Williams (WAS) |
| First Pitch | 7:05 p.m. ET |
| Matchup | Taijuan Walker (PHI) vs. Nestor Cortes (NYY) |
| First Pitch | 7:05 p.m. ET |
I've created a custom No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bet by analyzing the performances of two pitchers. This personalized bet can be created through sportsbooks such as DraftKings and Barstool. This NRFI bet is different from a traditional NRFI, as it combines two separate half innings from the first innings of two different games. This approach allows you to have a better edge and tailor the bet to your preferences.
Our first NRFI pick for Monday is Drew Rasmussen of the Rays. Last season, Rasmussen recorded a respectable 22-6 NRFI record. When facing batters for the first time through the order, he allowed only 50 hits in 233 at-bats, resulting in a .210 average.
This limited exposure could work to his advantage against the Nationals' hitters, such as Lane Thomas (0-for-2) and Jeimer Candelario (1-for-3). Dominic Smith and Candelario both possess an xBA (expected batting average) of under .175 to start the season. Last year, Smith hit just .197 against right-handed pitchers. The Nationals are one of eight teams in MLB with less than or equal to one first-inning hit, amounting to a .167 average.
Our second NRFI choice is Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes, who posted an exceptional 22-6 NRFI record last season, including a 13-2 home NRFI split.
When facing batters for the first time through the order, he allowed a mere 36 hits in 236 at-bats, translating to a remarkable .153 average. Another limited sample size, but he has managed to keep both JT Realmuto and Alec Bohm hitless in their only at-bats against him.
The Phillies are likely to stack the top of their lineup with right-handed hitters. Cortes, however, demonstrated a strong .202 average against right-handed batters in 2022 (facing 526 of them).
The customized NRFI bet is priced at -169 at Barstool and -147 at DraftKings.
As always, six outs to glory …
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