NRFI & YRFI Best Bets 9/18/2025 Today’s MLB Picks

Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays 1:10 PM EST

Pick: YRFI

The Toronto Blue Jays (89–62) will face the Tampa Bay Rays (73–78) at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. The Blue Jays have been on a strong run, winning six consecutive games, including a dramatic 6–5 victory over the Rays on Tuesday. In the upcoming game, the Blue Jays will send right-hander Chris Bassitt to the mound. Bassitt has been solid this season, posting an 11–8 record with a 3.90 ERA and 163 strikeouts over 166 innings. The Rays will counter with right-hander Shane Baz, who has a 9–12 record and a 5.15 ERA, with 169 strikeouts in 157.1 innings. While Baz has shown flashes of potential, his inconsistency this season has been a concern for Tampa Bay. With how Bassitt has pitched on the road and with struggling Baz on the mound for the Rays, I can see this game picking up quickly from a scoring perspective. 

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Cleveland Guardians vs Detroit Tigers 1:10 PM EST

Pick: NRFI

The Cleveland Guardians (79–71) and Detroit Tigers (85–66) will conclude their three-game series at Comerica Park in Detroit. The Guardians, having won 10 of their last 11 games, are aiming to close the gap in the AL Central standings, now trailing the Tigers by 5.5 games. For the final game, the Guardians will start right-hander Tanner Bibee (10–11, 4.44 ERA), who has struck out 149 batters over 170.1 innings this season. The Tigers will counter with left-hander Tarik Skubal (13–5, 2.26 ERA), who has been dominant, recording 224 strikeouts in 183.1 innings. When AL Central teams have gone at it this season, we typically have seen lower-scoring games. Skubal will do his job, and with Bibee coming off a solid start, I expect him to be able to get out of the first inning untouched as well. 

San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10 PM EST

Pick: NRFI

The San Francisco Giants (75–76) will face the Los Angeles Dodgers (84–67) at Dodger Stadium in the opening game of a crucial four-game series. The Giants, currently 3 games behind the Mets for the final Wild Card spot, are in dire need of a strong performance to stay in postseason contention. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, leading the NL West by 2 games over the Padres, aim to rebound from a recent bullpen collapse that led to a 9–6 loss against the Phillies. The pitching matchup features San Francisco’s ace, Logan Webb (14–10, 3.34 ERA), who has been a consistent force for the Giants. On the mound for the Dodgers is Yoshinobu Yamamoto (11–8, 2.66 ERA), known for his exceptional control and ability to limit hard contact. This is a big series for both these teams, and for this reason, we see both squads sending out their ace for this game. Webb & Yamamoto are two guys I consistently trust when it comes to a NRFI perspective. We’ll see runs in this game, but I expect them to come in the later innings.

Brad Francis's Pick: See Above