The tough stretch continues, with a rainout and two losses on Wednesday despite multiple teams getting runners in scoring position with no outs.
We've got a surprisingly busy Thursday slate, including one of our favorite pitchers to bet on. All together, I have three picks for tonight's action.
Here are my MLB NRFI picks and model predictions for Thursday, June 19.
Note: While parlaying these picks isn't our official recommendation, we've put together an easy way to do so below.
MLB NRFI, YRFI Picks and Predictions — June 19, 2025
Angels vs. Yankees 1st-Inning Prediction
Starting Pitchers: Tyler Anderson vs. Carlos Rodon
There are a few different ways to approach this one, but my favorite is the Yankees first-inning moneyline.
Both the YRFI and the Yankees team YRFI are priced mostly appropriately, but most of the value is on New York's side here. It's a lefty-on-lefty pitching matchup, and New York ranks second in baseball against southpaws, while the Angels rank 28th.
New York is slumping a bit, but the matchup with Anderson and his 5.59 ERA the first time through the order should help it break out.
Plus, we've got excellent hitting weather at Yankee Stadium. That's not as much of a concern for Rodon, since he's a high-strikeout pitcher.
Cardinals vs. White Sox Game 1 YRFI Prediction
Starting Pitchers: Erick Fedde vs. Sean Burke
I was on the Cardinals team YRFI yesterday in this matchup, which was postponed due to rain.
I'm pivoting to the game YRFI because the Cardinals have switched their starter from Sonny Gray to Erick Fedde. Gray has a 3.05 xFIP overall and 2.95 xFIP his first time through the order, but Fedde's marks come in at 4.92 and 5.29, respectively.
That gives the White Sox enough equity that the game YRFI is the better play, especially with the extremely strong hitting weather tonight.
With that said, the Cardinals are still the stronger projection, so I wouldn't fault anyone for going with their single-team line.
Pirates vs. Tigers Game 2 NRFI Prediction
Starting Pitchers: Paul Skenes vs. TBD
It seems absolutely crazy laying -150 on any NRFI when one pitcher is "TBD" — but that's the Paul Skenes effect.
The NL Cy Young front-runner still hasn't allowed an earned run his first time through the order this season — a 35 2/3 inning sample size.
I don't see Detroit changing that.
The Tigers are on the wrong side of their platoon splits against a righty, and hitters will likely be tired in the second half of a doubleheader.
Crucially, the Pirates offense is still bad, ranking 29th in wRC+ and 30th in runs scored on the season.
The likeliest starter (or opener) for Detroit is Keider Montero, who boasts an overall ERA of 4.24. However, his ERA comes in at 2.31 the first time through the order. That's more than enough against Pittsburgh.
