MLB Predictions for NRFI and YRFI - Thursday, 8th May: Forecasts and Picks
New and Improved Take
Hey there, sports fans! I'm back with some MLB picks for Thursday, May 8, 2025, focusing on those NRFI (No Runs First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Runs First Inning) bets. So, let's not waste any more time and dive right in!
MLB NRFI and YRFI Picks - May 8, 2025
Detailing the Duel: Tigers vs. Rockies
Starting Pitchers: Casey Mize vs. Kyle Freeland
The Detroit Tigers have proved themselves a formidable offense against left-handed pitching, ranking fourth overall. However, they've displayed somewhat extreme platoon splits, both positive and negative against lefties. Here's hoping Tiger manager A.J. Hinch favors the hitters who are on a roll.
With a 10-run total on the line, catching some regression from Casey Mize might just be the ticket - his 2.70 ERA has been inflated by a FIP, xFIP, and SEIRA above 4.00. Mize isn't much of a strikeout artist and relies on fly balls and breaking pitches, a tough combo at Coors Field.
The Battle of the South: Reds vs. Braves
Starting Pitchers: Nick Lodolo vs. Spencer Schwellenbach
Atlanta's offense takes a hit when facing lefties, as their wRC+ drops over 30 points. Lodolo has been throwing efficiently against opposing batters, with the Braves struggling against him. Schwellenbach has been impressive this season, especially in his first time through the order.
The game total has already been reduced to 7.5, so make sure to place your bets quickly!
West Coast Showdown: Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks
Starting Pitchers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto vs. Brandon Pfaadt
The Dodgers boast strong hitters at the top of their order, with Mookie Betts' wRC+ hinting at their potency. Pfaadt has been a tad shaky when facing batters for the first time, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto has allowed quite a few runs during his initial face-offs.
While I wouldn't necessarily count on an NRFI pick with Yamamoto, there's reason to anticipate runs being scored early on in this game.
And word to the wise - keep an eye on those books offering the best odds to make the most out of your bets!
So, that's it for today's picks! Make sure to stay systematic, informative, and entertaining with your sports picks. Now, let's go out there and make those bets pay off!
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Tigers and the Rockies once had a man named Casey at the pitcher's mound for both teams in a single season? Casey Fossum pitched for the Rockies in 2014, then signed with the Tigers in 2015. Both teams had Casey on their roster in the same season.
Sources: baseball-reference.com, theathletic.com, fangraphs.com
- A.J. Hinch, the Tigers' manager, might favor the hitters who are currently on a roll against left-handed pitching, potentially leading to scoring within the first inning against Casey Mize.
- Despite Casey Mize's impressive 2.70 ERA, his FIP, xFIP, and SEIRA are above 4.00, which suggests that there might be regression to catch in Thursday's game against the Rockies.
- In the battle between the Reds and the Braves, Nick Lodolo is likely to have an edge against Atlanta, as their offense struggles against lefties.
- The game between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks could potentially see an early onslaught of runs, as both Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Brandon Pfaadt have been shaky in their initial face-offs.
