Best NRFI Bets Today: Skubal Poised to Round Back Into Form

After an underwhelming season debut against the World Series defending Los Angeles Dodgers, the Detroit Tigers Tarik Skubal has the opportunity to round back into dominant form as he faces off against the lowly Seattle Mariners offense. Before their opening pitch, we turn our attention towards the matchup between Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay as Paul Skenes possesses more than enough talent to neutralize the Rays top of their order.

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Detroit Tigers vs. Seattle Kraken - Tarik Skubal vs. Luis Castillo (4:10 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-165) at BetMGM Sportsbook

It was a deflating debut for the Detroit Tigers ace as Tarik Skubal finished the contest with an ERA of 7.20, a WHIP of 1.400, and a FIP of 7.87. The Dodgers elite contact ability proved to be too much for the reigning AL Cy Young award winner as Skubal also averaged over one Hit Against per Inning Pitched. A stunning low level of play for someone who came into the year with some serious momentum as he generated a WHIP of .828 throughout Spring Training.

Heading into Wednesday, Skubal has the opportunity to round back into dominant form against a far lower quality of opponent as he faces off against a Mariners offense who ranks below league average in Team Total Hits, RBIs, Total Runs Scored, and On Base Percentage. In five games played, only Jorge Polanco possesses a Batting Average over .300 in Seattle’s top of their order which leaves the Mariners prone to slow starts in their contests.

On the other side of the field, Luis Castillo is tasked with a much tougher assignment as he attempts to cool down the Tigers red hot bats after they scored nine runs in last night’s contest. Unfortunately for Detroit, Castillo excels at avoiding contact and keeping opposing runners off the bases as the Mariners pitcher averages a WHIP of 1.000. Castillo is also supported by a productive back end as the Mariners defense ranks 15th overall in Defensive Efficiency.

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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Tampa Bay Rays - Paul Skenes vs. Ryan Pepiot (1:10 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-150) at BetMGM Sportsbook

Paul Skenes has continued to live up to his sky high expectations as the reigning NL Rookie of the Year award winner finished his debut against Miami with an ERA of 3.38, a WHIP of .938, a FIP of 1.37, and 7 total Strikeouts in 5.1 Innings Pitched. Even though the Marlins are projected to be one of the worst teams in the league this season, their offense currently ranks above league average in Team Total Hits, Total Runs Scored, and On Base Percentage.

Skenes will need to continue to play at a high level as he faces off against a Tampa Bay Rays offense who also ranks above league average in the same previously mentioned metrics. While their offense does grade out well as a whole, it’s worth noting Brandon Lowe has struggled to find his footing as their lead off man possesses a Batting Average of just .235. Should Skenes take advantage of his struggles, then his chances of holding Tampa scoreless greatly increases.

Speaking of productive debuts, Ryan Pepiot dazzled in his first start of the season as he finished the contest against Colorado with an ERA of 1.50, a FIP of 1.20, and over one Strikeout per Inning Pitched. Pepiot will have the opportunity to sustain his hot stretch of play as he faces off against a Pirates offense who struggles to make contact and get on base at a competitive rate. Especially when he is backed behind a defense who ranks top-15 in Defensive Efficiency.

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