NRFI & YRFI Best Picks 8/7/2025 Today’s MLB Picks

Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates 4:40 PM EST

Pick: NRFI

The Cincinnati Reds (60–54) head to PNC Park to face the Pittsburgh Pirates (49–66) in the opener of a four‑game series on Thursday at 6:40 p.m. ET. The Pirates take the mound with ace Paul Skenes (6–8, 2.02 ERA), who has been dominant this season and is 3–0 with an impressive 0.53 ERA in his previous showings against Cincinnati. The Reds counter with Brady Singer (9–8, 4.4 ERA), who has fared well recently, including a strong last outing, but owns less favorable career numbers against Pittsburgh and at PNC Park. I believe this NRFI comes down to if Singer can get us 3 outs and against this Pirates lineup that’s struggled this season, he’s fully capable of that. On the other hand, I have no problem putting my money on Skenes getting out of the first inning. 

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Miami Marlins vs Atlanta Braves 7:15 PM EST

Pick: YRFI

The Miami Marlins (55–57) visit Truist Park to face the Atlanta Braves (47–65) at 7:15 p.m. EDT on Thursday, marking the start of a significant NL East showdown. The Marlins send standout young right-hander Eury Perez (4–3, 2.70 ERA) to the mound, riding high after a dominant stretch where he has allowed just four earned runs across his last six starts and held opponents to a .166 batting average, making him one of the more promising arms on this Marlins staff. The Braves counter with veteran Carlos Carrasco (2–2, 5.68 ERA), who has had mixed results this season. He logged six innings of three-run ball in his last outing, but remains vulnerable with opponents batting .295 against him. Even though Perez has been great, the top of this Braves lineup is still powerful and can get after him early. I mostly favor this YRFI due to Carrasco starting for the Braves. Carrasco has struggled over the last 2 seasons, and with how well this Marlins team has played on the road, I expect Carrasco to give up a run in the top of the 1st. 

Chicago White Sox vs Seattle Mariners 4:10 PM EST

Pick: NRFI

The Chicago White Sox (42–71) hit the road to take on the Seattle Mariners (61–53) at T-Mobile Park. Seattle holds a firm edge in this season series, leading it 3–1. On the mound, the White Sox will trust rookie right-hander Shane Smith, who is 3–7 with a 4.25 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 91 innings. This marks his first career start at T-Mobile Park. Opposing him, the Mariners will send Logan Gilbert, a seasoned righty with a 3.45 ERA and 0.98 WHIP this season, especially dominant at home, where he’s posted a 2.27 ERA and 0.67 WHIP over nine starts. This is the most clear NRFI on today’s slate. Logan Gilbert should have no problem getting 3 outs against this White Sox lineup. Shane Smith has struggled as of late, but we know he’s capable of having a good outing with how he looked to start this season. I expect him to bounce back in this game, with him playing at T-Mobile Park, which is an extremely pitcher-friendly park.