MLB Monday YRFI/NRFI best bets, 8/15: Pitching duel in Mets vs Braves

The YRFI/NRFI market has become extremely popular, so you definitely want to dive in and join the fun – especially when the Pickswise experts are giving you advice! We may not be unconscious with our plays at the moment like we were last month, but we are still red hot. For the season we are sporting a 45-27 record. I was 1-1 on Sunday, losing the Guardians-Blue Jays NRFI before bouncing back with a successful YRFI play on Sunday Night Baseball between the Yankees and Red Sox.

Here are my two favorite plays for Monday’s MLB slate. Also be sure to read all of our MLB previews.

New York Mets vs Atlanta Braves: NRFI (-125)

Both New York’s Carlos Carrasco and Atlanta’s Spencer Strider have already faced the opposition this month. In fact, Strider’s most recent appearance came against none other than the Mets. The rookie did not pitch particularly well, but at least managed to blank New York through the first two innings. Overall, Strider has been outstanding in 2022 with a 6-4 record, 3.05 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 138 strikeouts in 89.2 innings. He will eager to make a statement after calling the Mets “lucky” following his loss to them on August 7.

Like much of New York’s rotation, Carrasco is on fire right now. He has surrendered more than two runs only once in his last seven appearances, and even that lone exception was a quality start (three earned runs in 6.0 innings). In 14.0 innings against the Braves this year, the right-hander boasts a 1.93 ERA and a WHIP under 1.00. Carrasco has made six consecutive starts without giving up a run in the first four innings.

Oakland Athletics vs Texas Rangers: YRFI (-105)

Monday’s pitching matchup pits Oakland’s James Kaprielian against Glenn Otto of Texas. Neither starter inspires much confidence. Kaprielian is 3-6 with a 4.38 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. In three starts against the Rangers this season Kaprielian is saddled with a 4.40 ERA and does not have any wins to show for his efforts. Otto compiled a 5.76 ERA during the month of July, so his confidence can’t be high. His season-long ERA was 4.24 a recently as June 26; now it’s 5.20. Otto has compiled a 4.82 ERA in two outings versus the Athletics in 2022.

Both lineups have seen a lot of the opposing pitcher and such familiarity generally favors the offense. Rangers No. 3 hitter Adolis Garcia has homered off Kaprielian twice, while cleanup hitter Nathaniel Lowe is 6-for-15 lifetime in the matchup and has also homered on two occasions. Oakland leadoff man Tony Kemp is 3-for-5 in his career against Otto with a walk and no strikeouts. Both clubs have a good chance of putting at least one run on the scoreboard right off the bat.

Pickswise is the home of free MLB picks and predictions. Make sure to also check out our MLB parlays and MLB prop bets tabs for more expert picks.

The post MLB Monday YRFI/NRFI best bets, 8/15: Pitching duel in Mets vs Braves appeared first on Pickswise.