Best NRFI Bets Today, May 3

Toronto Blue Jays vs Boston Red Sox - Alek Manoah (RHP) vs Nick Pivetta (RHP)

Over 0.5 Runs (-138 on FanDuel Sportsbook)

The Boston Red Sox have won two straight games against the Blue Jays. This is a surprise as Toronto has a better roster, but credit to Boston for delivering in high-leverage situations throughout the series thus far. On Wednesday, it’s somewhat hard to pick a side as both pitchers have been struggling. Alek Manoah will throw for the Blue Jays against Nick Pivetta of the Red Sox.

The one thing both these players have in common is that they’re giving up runs consistently. Pivetta has done what we’ve expected of him this season, while Manoah has underperformed. Either way, they both are susceptible to getting hit early and often. Manoah is 1-1 with a 4.88 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP. He has allowed 31 hits in 31.1 innings and walked 20 batters. 

Pivetta is 1-2 with a 5.11 and a 1.38 WHIP. In 24.2 innings, he has allowed 23 hits with five homers. The combination of the pitchers and offenses in this matchup makes the YRFI a viable betting option. Boston is the fifth-best YRFI team in baseball, hitting this wager 65% of the time. Toronto has been more of a NRFI club in 2023, but their offense has been potent at Fenway, so ride with the over 0.5 runs at -138 on FanDuel Sportsbook. 

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Tampa Bay Rays - Mitch Keller (RHP) vs Shane McClanahan (LHP)

Under 0.5 Runs (-145 on FanDuel Sportsbook)

The Tampa Bay Rays have one of the best offenses in Major League Baseball, so it’s always concerning to take an NRFI with this offense. Between Wander Franco, Randy Arozarena, and Yandy Diaz, they can strike at any time. Mitch Keller will be tasked with shutting down Tampa Bay in the top of the first inning. The pitcher is 3-0 with a 3.53 and a 1.21 WHIP. Over 35.2 innings, he has 40 strikeouts and just four homers allowed. 

The strikeout and homers allowed stat are critical for the success of the NRFI because he can get out of innings. Any pitcher with strong strikeout ability is one that should be on your NRFI radar. His counterpart, Shane McClanahan, has been even more electric on the hill. The pitcher is 5-0 with a 2.12 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. He has 42 strikeouts in 34 innings of work with just three homers allowed. 

Both offenses are dangerous in their own right, but we have a hard time seeing Pittsburgh have early success off of McClanahan. While Keller hasn’t been as dominant for Pittsburgh, he has still been very effective this season and deserves our trust for the NRFI on Wednesday. 

San Francisco Giants vs Houston Astros - Logan Webb (RHP) vs Framber Valdez (LHP)

First Inning Tie (-145 on FanDuel Sportsbook)

The San Francisco Giants are off to a disappointing start this season, while the Astros haven’t foud their groove. The Giants will enter Wednesday’s matchup at 12-17 compared to the Astros, who are 16-14. With two inconsistent offenses and strong pitchers on the hill, we’re going to take the first-inning tie.

Logan Webb will pitch, and even though he is 1-5 with a 4.10, he still has a 1.15 WHIP. Webb keeps runners off base because he limits his free passes. The pitcher has walked just five batters in 37.1 innings this season. Framber Valdez will throw for the Astros, and he is 2-3 with a 2.54 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Over 39 innings, he has 37 strikeouts with just four homers allowed. 

There are dangerous hitters at the top of the order for both clubs. This is why we’re going to ride with a first-inning tie rather than a NRFI. The price is still very good at -145, considering the pitchers on the bump.