Mark Lammey
Show Bio
We’ve got a smaller MLB slate on Thursday, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t value to be had. However, it may mean there aren’t as many appealing sides or totals to play. That’s why we have a specific market targeted for you. By predicting if a run will be scored in the 1st inning or not, we can boost our bankroll in about 15 minutes. It takes just 6 outs, and we’ve broken down the best spots for today’s slate of games. Along with these early plays, be sure to check out our MLB picks for all of today’s games.
Let’s take a closer look at my 2 favorite YRFI bets for today.
Bet $5 on any MLB game today at DraftKings Sportsbook and get $100 in free bets instantly! New customers sign up here to claim now. No promo code is required.
Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Guardians: YRFI (+100)
It’s only fitting to get our early 1st-inning plays started with the first game of the day. Notice that this is just a single game rather than a full series. It’s simply a make-up game thrown between 2 series, and the timing is not set up well for the Guardians. With starters Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale both on the injured list, Cleveland’s rotation is in shambles at the worst time. They have to rely on rookie Hunter Gaddis against some of the best hitters in the league. The youngster just made his MLB debut earlier this month, and it did not go well. Gaddis allowed 8 runs in just 3.1 innings to the Astros. The Sox put up 3 runs in the 1st inning just 2 days ago, and it’s no surprise why.
The top of their lineup has former-MVP Jose Abreu, who has the most hits in the AL. Behind him is power-hitter Eloy Jimenez, who hit that early 3-run home run 2 days ago. Elvis Andrus is the relative unknown filling in for Tim Anderson in the leadoff spot, who is currently hitting .313. While the focus of this play is the Sox taking advantage of the rookie, the Guardians have one of the best hitters in the league in Jose Ramirez. He just had a go-ahead 2-run home run to win their game yesterday and has owned Chicago starter Lance Lynn. He’s hitting .385 against him, including 2 doubles, 4 home runs and 8 RBI. It was Amed Rosario who he brought home with that homer. He’s close behind Abreu for the AL lead in hits with 152. Trust these sluggers to take advantage of their matchups.
Be sure to check out our full Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Guardians predictions
Kansas City Royals vs Minnesota Twins: YRFI (-115)
Let’s transition into the other AL Central rivalry going on today. This play is primarily about the Twins getting off to a hot start at home, just like they did last night. They’re the 4th-highest scoring team in the 1st inning and now get to face a struggling Daniel Lynch. The lefty just got smacked around by the Tigers for 6 runs and 10 hits in 3.2 innings, and they’re the lowest-scoring team in the league. He also gave up 2 1st-inning runs to the Twins the last time he faced them, which was less than a month ago. Minnesota being without Byron Buxton is a non-issue, as he wasn’t even a factor in that game. This all starts with World Series champion Carlos Correa’s success against Lynch. He’s hitting .412 against him, and is guaranteed an at-bat in the 1st inning.
He’ll likely be batting behind Luis Arraez, who is among the AL leaders for hits. Even if he gets a rest day due to facing a lefty, that means rookie Jose Miranda will be bumped up in the lineup. He’s having a stellar year and was the one who hit the 2-run homer off of Lynch just a few weeks ago. Similarly, the Royals have 2 stud rookies at the top of their lineup. Twins starter Dylan Bundy has yet to face MJ Melendez and Bobby Witt Jr, both of whom are more than capable of a quick solo home run. Regardless if it’s both teams producing or just the Twins again, expect a 1st-inning run in this series finale.
Be sure to check out our full Kansas City Royals vs Minnesota Twins predictions
How to bet YRFI & NRFI bets risk-free
New Fanduel Sportsbook users can lock in a $150 risk-free bet on any market! Here’s how to claim:
- Click here to register for a new FanDuel Sportsbook account. No promo code is required.
- Make a first-time deposit
- Simply place your first real-money wager on a YRFI or NRFI or any other MLB market you want to bet.
- Regardless if your bet wins or loses, you win $150 in free bets. All winning bets will be fulfilled within 72 hours if they win.
- Sign up now to claim your $150 risk-free YRFI/NRFI bet
Pickswise is the home of free MLB Picks. Check out the latest MLB Prop Bets and MLB Parlays as well as our MLB Best Bets from the experts.
