MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks: Wednesday (Dodgers vs. Padres)
It’s been over four months since the Texas Rangers hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy as World Series Champions. The long wait is now over for baseball fans. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will begin the 2024 season with a two-game set in Seoul, South Korea.
LA sported a 9-4 record against San Diego in 2023 and made the splashiest move of the offseason by signing superstar Shohei Ohtani to a $700-million contract. Meanwhile, the Padres sent outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees and acquired pitcher Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox.
Let’s dive into this National League West clash from an MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) perspective.
Wednesday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Dodgers vs. Padres
Starting Pitchers: Tyler Glasnow vs. Yu Darvish
The Dodgers are sending Tyler Glasnow to the mound on Wednesday. The 30-year-old impressed with a 10-7 record and 3.53 ERA across 21 starts for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023. That ERA checked in at 2.14 when looking specifically at the first inning, as Glasnow allowed only five runs in the opening frame. Keep in mind Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Ha-Seong Kim and Jake Cronenworth have never faced off against Glasnow, either.
The LA starter’s ability to make batters whiff with his blazing fastball or keep them guessing with his nasty slider gives him a distinct advantage against players unfamiliar with his stuff. Expect Glasnow to put on an early show with his new squad in front of the international crowd.
On the other side, 11-year veteran Yu Darvish gets the call for the Padres. The five-time All-Star is coming off a shaky campaign in which he logged a 4.56 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 24 starts. However, much of the damage done against him came after his first time through the lineup. Darvish gave up a minuscule four runs in the first inning last season, and his WHIP stood out at a dazzling 0.92.
Darvish is in a much different situation than Glasnow, given that he has faced off against LA a number of times. Still, the trio of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith has combined to post a .225 batting average (18-for-80) against Darvish. Just nine of those 18 hits have gone for extra bases. Having no one on base when Ohtani steps up would certainly benefit San Diego.
Look for the first six outs to be met with little to no resistance.
Bet: NRFI (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday: