⚾ Best NRFI Bets Today: Top No Run First Inning Picks & Predictions (Monday, June 22)

My best NRFI bets today break down the top no run first inning picks across Monday's MLB slate with pitcher matchup analysis for each game.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown - who's featured in my best NRFI bets today - tips his cap.
Pictured: Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown - who's featured in my best NRFI bets today - tips his cap. Photo by: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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🤑 Best NRFI Bets Today for Monday (June 22)

After a 1-1 day to end the week, we're determined to fatten that wallet on this fine Monday. We're targeting strong pitching matchups between the Yankees vs. Tigers and Astros vs. Blue Jays to get the job done. The formula continues to work for us this season, so let's bring those units home with our best NRFI bets today.


⚾ Best NRFI bets today: June 22

See all of our experts’ MLB picks based on the latest MLB odds. Odds via FanDuel.

⚾ NRFI pick šŸ’µ Units šŸ“ Notes
Yankees vs. Tigers NRFI (-115) 2u → 1.73u Tigers own 45% K rate vs. Cole
Blue Jays vs. Astros NRFI (-150) 1u -> .66u Jays own .187 xBA vs. Astros

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.39 units

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šŸ’° Best NRFI bets today (Monday, June 22)

Yankees vs. Tigers NRFI (-115) - 6:10 p.m. ET

  • Gerrit Cole (2.57 ERA) vs. Framber Valdez (4.09)
  • NRFI records: Yankees (36-40) vs. Tigers (41-36)

I'd price this NRFI closer to -150 betting odds based on this pitching matchup, so right off the bat we're getting tremendous value here. Across 46 plate appearances, Cole has absolutely decimated this Tigers lineup, limiting them to a .230 xwOBA while striking them out at a 45% clip. Spencer Torkelson, Kerry Carpenter, and Jake Rogers have all struck out at least four times with just 10 or fewer at-bats to their name against the Yankees ace. Valdez, who hasn't had the best of seasons to his standard, is still limiting New York to a .232 xBA across 86 plate appearances, giving us plenty to work with. Let's cash this 2u play as part of our best NRFI bets today.

💣️ More MLB player props for Monday

Dive into Sean Tomlinson's best home run predictions today if you're looking to cash in on Monday.


Astros vs. Blue Jays NRFI (-150) - 7:07 p.m. ET

  • Hunter Brown (1.10 ERA) vs. Dylan Cease (2.71 ERA)
  • NRFI records: Astros (30-49) vs. Blue Jays (39-38)

Two of the better pitchers in baseball going head-to-head? Screams like a strong NRFI bet to me. We've got over 150 plate appearances against Brown and Cease in this specific matchup, with neither team owning higher than a .210 xBA. On top of that, we're seeing a 25% K rate from both pitchers here, giving me all the confidence in the world we're ready to sweep the board today. Let's have a Monday, shall we?


šŸ’µ My betting record for MLB picks

All MLB picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 26.

Bet type Record Net profit
Overall 43-39 +0.13 units 
NRFI picks 41-37 -0.75 units 

šŸ’” How I'm betting NRFI picks today (June 22)

Follow all of our MLB analysis and expert predictions for baseball season.

Placing a high-variance bet like a No Run First Inning (NRFI) requires a deep dive into the data every single day. You need to look at how the pitcher matches up with the lineup - specifically the top three hitters - while tracking strikeout rates, expected batting averages, and team NRFI trends. Run through this checklist before every wager, and scale your unit sizing accordingly.


ā“ NRFI betting FAQ

What does NRFI mean in baseball betting?

NRFI stands for "No Run First Inning." It's a popular MLB bet that neither team will score in the first inning of a game, and the bet settles after just six outs (three per half-inning).

What does YRFI mean?

YRFI stands for "Yes Run First Inning" - the opposite of an NRFI. This MLB prop bet cashes if there's at least one run by either team in the first inning.

What should I look for when betting NRFIs?

Each team's starting pitcher is the biggest factor in cashing a NRFI bet, but you should also focus on each team's NRFI records (home vs. away) and each lineup's first-inning tendencies. Recent form can also play a bigger role than full-season numbers.