MLB NRFI Picks Today | Justin Verlander, Eduardo Rodriguez in Mets vs Tigers (Thursday, May 4)

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.

Mets vs.

Tigers

We venture to Comerica Park today to examine the No Runs First Inning (NRFI) value between two teams that experienced difficulty securing runs in the initial inning.

In the top half of this NRFI, we spotlight Eduardo Rodriguez. In 2023, he has emerged as one of the premiere NRFI pitchers in the league, boasting an impressive 6-0 NRFI record. Facing teams' first and second batters this season, Rodriguez has displayed exceptional skill, allowing a mere five hits in 34 at-bats. Against these Mets hitters, Rodriguez has previously found success as well, with Francisco Lindor at 3-13, Mark Canha at 0-13, Starling Marte at 0-2, Pete Alonso at 0-1, Eduardo Escobar at 1-8 and Tommy Pham at 4-14.

It's important to note that the Mets rank as the second-worst first-inning hitting team in baseball this season, with a .182 average, just one point ahead of the Baltimore Orioles at .181.

On the opposing side of this NRFI, we have the long-time NRFI great, Justin Verlander. This marks Verlander's first start of the year, so his 2023 NRFI record is 0-0. However, to provide some context on Verlander's prowess, he has achieved an impressive 51-12 record since 2019 in NRFI. While he has limited experience against these Tigers hitters, it has worked to his advantage in the few starts he's had, with Matt Vierling at 0-2, Nick Maton at 0-2, and Miguel Cabrera at 0-3.

Verlander will face a substantial number of left-handed hitters in today's matchup. Since 2021, when confronting a lefty, he has only allowed a .163 average in over 330 batters.

The best price for this NRFI is -145, available at DraftKings Sportsbook.

As always, six outs to glory…