Best NRFI Bets Today, September 25

Arizona Diamondbacks vs New York Yankees – Merrill Kelly (R) vs Clarke Schmdit (R)

Over 0.5 Runs (+100 at DraftKings)

The final stretch of the 2023 MLB Season is and so the last attempt for some of these teams to make a last impression and clinch a wildcard spot. The New York Yankees (78-77) have officially been eliminated from the AL Playoffs after a disappointing season. The Arizona Diamondbacks (82-73) are right in the heat of a wild NL wildcard chase.

The Diamondbacks are going to pull all of their best attributes in this final week of the regular season to get into the postseason for the first time since 2017. They can start by finishing the series against the Yankees on a positive note. This game is a redo from the postponed game on Saturday, September 23.

Arizona will attempt to come into this game versus New York on a hot start. The Diamondbacks are ranked eighth in the MLB in runs accounted for in the first inning (0.56). In the last three games before Sunday's 7-1 win over the Yankees, the Diamondbacks averaged 0.68 runs in the first inning over the last three games. In Sunday's big win, the Diamondbacks accounted for two runs in the first inning. 

This game is a perfect opportunity for bettors to win some earnings going for the over of a run accounted for in the first inning. The Diamondbacks might just be able to accomplish this bet by themselves.

If that isn't convincing enough, the Yankees will be going with Clarke Schmidt (4.65 ERA in 151 innings pitched) as their starting pitcher on Monday.

Texas Rangers vs Los Angeles Angels – Jon Gray (R) vs Patrick Sandoval (L)

Under 0.5 Runs (-110 at DraftKings)

This Monday is the beginning of a six-game road trip for the Texas Rangers (87-68), all against AL West Divisional opponents. The Rangers will start their road trip against the Los Angeles Angels (70-86), who are among the most disappointing teams in the MLB.

While the Rangers haven't secured their ticket to the AL Playoffs, they shouldn't feel immediate pressure to clinch the AL West Division. The Rangers are a 2.5-game lead over the Houston Astros (85-71) and a 3-game lead over the Seattle Mariners (84-71).

The Rangers are ranked 13th in the league in runs accounted for in the first inning (0.53). They have been a moderate team in producing runs early in the game as they get closer to their postseason destination. They are not going to rush their batting intensity and pace as they are close to clinching the division.

The Rangers will be going with Jon Gray (4.22 ERA in 151.2 innings pitched) to start on Monday. He has given many teams trouble late in the season. 

The Angels will be going with Patrick Sandoval (4.19 ERA in 141.2 innings pitched). He has been the most reliable pitcher for the Angels since the injury forced Shohei Ohtani to not pitch the rest of the season. 

While the Rangers have the talent and productivity at the plate, they are going to take their time and not force themselves into bad situations. After facing several innings of Sandoval, the Rangers can easily pick up their pace and find themselves consistently on the scoreboard late in the game.

Houston Astros vs Seattle Mariners – Justin Verlander (R) vs Luis Castillo (R)

Under 0.5 Runs (-120 at DraftKings)

While the Texas Rangers (87-68) maintain a solid lead in the race for the AL West Division, the Houston Astros (85-71) and the Seattle Mariners (84-71) are set for a heated three-game series that will have serious implications of the AL Playoffs and a wildcard berth. 

Both the Astros and the Mariners have two of the more efficient batting teams in the AL. They are among two of the most aggressive teams at the plate from start to finish.

As the 2023 MLB Season progressed, Houston and Seattle showed their potential to score early in games. The Astros rank third in the league in runs accounted for in the first inning (0.68). The Mariners are ranked eighth in the league in runs accounted for in the first inning (0.56).

In the first game, however, it is going to be a hard demand for the Astros and the Mariners to get on the board early due to the pitching matchups. The Astros will be going with Justin Verlander (3.93 ERA in 55 innings pitched for the Astros). The Mariners are going with their ace pitcher Luis Castillo (3.06 ERA in 188.1 innings pitched). 

Both teams are going to come into this game desperate to start early and claim the three-game series. While the Astros and the Mariners have the batters to start early, the two teams have the elite pitchers to keep it a low-scoring game. 

See different MLB betting sites for more betting opportunities!