It’s April 22, and I’m diving into today’s best NRFI picks.
I’m taking the NRFI in the Padres-Tigers matchup and doubling down with a NRFI for the Mariners-Red Sox clash in a compelling AL showdown.
NRFI Pick Today: Padres vs Tigers (-115 at bet365)
Padres vs Tigers Odds – Game Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Jack Flaherty has quietly returned to form in 2025, channeling his dominant 2019 self. He’s delivered a sparkling 2.53 ERA through four starts with 25 strikeouts over 21.1 innings. Most crucially for our purposes, Flaherty is a flawless 4-0 NRFI this season, surrendering only three baserunners in the opening frame while fanning five of 12 batters faced.
On the other side, Nick Pivetta has been equally reliable. Also 4-0 NRFI this season, the right-hander boasts a stellar 1.07 ERA across his four outings. He’s been one of the most dependable arms in baseball to start the year.
The risk with this bet lies in the bats, as both the Padres and Tigers are among the league’s best in first-inning production, each hitting north of .290. However, that offensive strength helps keep the odds even, letting us grab this pick at -115 in what’s essentially a toss-up. For me, this is one of the top NRFI bets of the day.
NRFI Pick Today: Mariners vs Red Sox (-115 at BetMGM)
Mariners vs Red Sox Odds – Game Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
Seattle’s pitching staff continues to dominate, and Bryce Miller is a prime example. The Mariners’ right-hander has excelled this season, starting 4-0 in NRFI situations. Miller’s aggressive approach, consistently attacking the strike zone and challenging hitters, has been the key to his early success. Against a struggling Red Sox lineup that’s hitting just .226 in the first inning, Miller has all the tools to keep things quiet early. He has also held Boston hitters to an impressive career .504 OPS, including shutting down Alex Bregman, who is just 1-for-15 against him.
Brayan Bello returns to the mound for the Red Sox, making his 2025 debut after an inconsistent 2024 campaign. While his form remains unpredictable, the market’s hesitation around Bello boosts the value of this pick. At -115, this NRFI bet provides solid potential in a game set up for a quiet start.
