MLB NRFI/YRFI Best Bets Today: Expert Picks & Predictions for Thursday’s Slate (5/25/23)

Thursday features a smaller slate of MLB games with 10 on the docket, but there are still plenty of betting opportunities across the board. As Aaron Nola, Logan Gilbert, and Alek Manoah take the mound, let’s take a look at some of the best no run first inning (NRFI) bets for today, May 25th.

MLB best NRFI bets for May 25

Here are some of the best NRFI and YRFI bets for Thursday’s MLB action.

White Sox vs. Tigers NRFI (-118)

Now that Luis Robert’s home run binge has tampered down just a bit, the White Sox are an attractive NRFI bet. Big-time power threat Jake Burger’s exact place in the lineup is unsettled, and the presence of two singles hitters at the top in Tim Anderson and Andrew Benintendi makes them one of the least likely teams to pop a quick home run.

Chicago didn’t score in the first inning in its series against the Guardians, and that streak could continue in pitcher-friendly Comerica Park. Alex Faedo isn’t the most inspiring Detroit starter for a NRFI best, but the White Sox aren’t built to strike right away.

As for the Tigers, their offense has been bad enough both from a contact and power standpoint that their games are among the safest NRFI bets. With Lucas Giolito looking much more like the Lucas Giolito of the past, carrying a 3.62 ERA and much better walk rate through 10 starts, he’s in a strong position to get off to a nice start and keep his momentum building.

Marlins vs. Rockies NRFI (+126)

There’s decent value available here because of Coors Field, but the truth is the Rockies’ offense is no longer good enough to thrive even in the thin air. The Marlins’ offense is inarguably even worse without Jazz Chisholm, sitting dead last in the league in runs per game entering Wednesday at 3.49. Offense has been pedestrian so far in this series, and it could hit a low on Thursday.

This is a potentially very good pitching matchup. Kyle Freeland has quietly had a nice year for the Rockies, aside from two blowups. His last two starts at Coors Field have been scoreless, and he has a career-best WHIP at the moment thanks to his improved control.

On the other side is Braxton Garrett, who allowed just two baserunners in his last start and has started to settle back in after a start in which he gave up 11 ER skewed his numbers. Garrett has allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his nine starts this season.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Freeland and Garrett start strong against a pair of bad offenses and deliver a scoreless first.

Cardinals vs. Reds YRFI (-122)

The Cardinals have a terrific top of their lineup, with two potential Hall of Famers in Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado along with any combination of Tommy Edman, Lars Nootbaar, and Nolan Gorman. Edman has been one of baseball’s hottest hitters of late, while Gorman is the NL’s OPS leader as his breakout season looks less and less like a fluke.

The Cardinals scored at least one first inning run in back-to-back games entering Wednesday, and as they continue to heat up, this team’s games will continue to be a popular YRFI bet.

The Cardinals will close their series in Cincinnati with an afternoon start. Luke Weaver and his 6.54 ERA will be on the hill for the Reds after giving up a combined 15 hits over his last two starts.

If the Cardinals can’t plate anyone in the first inning, the Reds have potential against Miles Mikolas. Mikolas has a 1.48 WHIP this season, and while he’s made strides lately, it’s a safeguard if the Cardinals don’t put any runs on the board. Cincinnati exploded for 18 hits on Wednesday night and has a brand new threat near the top of the lineup in Matt McLain.