Some people like to sweat out a bet for 9 hard innings – others like immediate satisfaction. Count us as being in the latter, which is why we like to get down with MLB NRFI and YRFI picks. And we’ve decided to pass that knowledge on to you with our NRFI bets for May 17. Go here for MLB World Series odds.
Of course, there are plenty out there taking blind guesses at this stuff. It’s easy to pick the best hitting team or look at what happened in the last game. However, we spent the time pouring through the analytics to make sure that we give you the best odds to stay in the green on these NRFI and YRFI props for May 17. Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.
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MLB NRFI and YRFI Picks – May 17
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs
First Pitch – 2:20 pm EST
Wrigley Field – Chicago, Illinois
Broadcast – MLB TV
We didn’t get the NRFI on this game on Thursday, but we’re going double or nothing on Friday’s action. The first reason for that is the return of Paul Skenes. The rookie was as-advertised in his debut, throwing electric stuff en route to seven strikeouts. He faced the Cubs in that game and held them scoreless for the first three. I see no reason why he wouldn’t do the same the next time out.
The other side of the equation is a bit more nerve wrecking. Kyle Hendricks has an ERA that has four numbers in it – a scary facts for NRFI bettors. However, that is mostly due to some early season bad luck. His last two starts have looked much better, which includes one against these Pirates. In that one, he went 5.0 innings and allowed just one run. That run didn’t come until the 4th inning, which gives me plenty of faith in this one.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for May 17: No (TBD)
Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals
First Pitch – 8:15 pm EST
Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Missouri
Broadcast – ESPN+
St. Louis is one of the worst teams in the league at scoring runs. Currently they’re only ahead of the Chicago White Sox, who have just 14 wins this season. They’re only scoring in the first inning in 18.60% of the time, which puts them comforatbly in the bottom third of the league. A date with Brayan Bello and his 3.13 ERA shouldn’t help matters for the Cardinals offense.
On the other side, I’m trusting the arm of Kyle Gibson. He’s been sneaky good over his last five starts. He hasn’t allowed more than two earned in any of those starts, and stayed under two in three of them. On top of that, he’s found a way to limit the home runs. He’s allowed just one in that five-game stint. The Red Sox are a middle of the pack team in terms of scoring, so as long as I like the pitcher against them (and I do), I like the NRFI here.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for May 17: No (-125)
If you’d like even more info to help make your NRFI picks for May 17, check out the MLB Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar with their MLB picks today.
