Javan Shouey
The 2025 MLB season is underway, and we have some interesting matchups on today’s slate of games. Friday’s game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins has my interest when it comes to the first inning, so let’s dive into my YRFI/NRFI best bets across today’s action! You can also lock in our experts’ MLB picks for today’s big matchups.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Miami Marlins: NRFI (-120)
Odds available at time of publishing. Playable to -125 odds.
Mitch Keller served as the Pirates’ Opening Day starting pitcher for the last 2 seasons, and despite solid performances across those years he is now behind Paul Skenes in the starting rotation. Keller provides Pittsburgh with a solid number 2 option, and I like his matchup to start the game today against Miami. The Marlins are expected to have a below-average offense this season with only 2 everyday players projected for an above-average wRC+. Keller was at his best last season the first time through the lineup, allowing a .638 OPS. The right-hander was also pretty sharp during his Spring Training tune-ups, allowing just 4 earned runs across 15 innings of work.
Connor Gillespie will get the starting nod for Miami, making his 4th MLB appearance and 1st start. His previous experience came last season with the Guardians. It appears he will be stretched out into a starting role this season, as opposed to an opener role, with as many as 21 batters faced in his final Spring Training outing. His most recent outing was his worst among the exhibition games, but his previous 5 outings totaled just 1 earned run allowed across 12 innings. Pittsburgh’s offense projects to be a streaky unit this season, and Gillespie should pitch well enough to limit scoring in the first inning this evening.
Find out our expert’s MLB best bets for today after going 2-0 on Opening Day!
Boston Red Sox vs Texas Rangers: YRFI (-110)
Odds available at time of publishing. Playable to -120 odds.
I am very excited for the offensive units of both Texas and Boston this season. Both teams are dark-horse World Series contenders this season in large part due to their deep and talented offenses. Boston added Alex Bregman in the offseason, allowing Rafael Devers to move into a full-time DH role. With sole focus on his offensive performance, we could witness a career-best season at the plate from the highly paid lefty. Boston is set to face off against Jack Leiter today, and the young right-hander has struggled at times early in his career. He allowed 32 base runners in 20.2 innings this spring in exhibition play, and he posted a 1.71 WHIP across 35.2 MLB innings as a rookie.
Tanner Houck is the better starting pitcher in this game, but he still faces a lethal Texas lineup. The Rangers had a down season at the plate last year, but injuries contributed largely to their struggles. With a largely healthy lineup to start the year, that also added Jake Burger and Joc Pederson in free agency, Texas should hit the ground running to start the season. Houck was wrecked in his final Spring Training outing, allowing 10 earned runs and 14 base runners across just 3.2 innings of work. I like runs to be scored early on in this matchup.
Read our full Red Sox vs Rangers prediction
