Javan Shouey
We have a crucial Game 3 in both ALDS matchups on Tuesday evening, and both games are setting up to be outstanding games from an entertainment perspective. This article covers the first inning predictions, betting odds, and previews for these games. With that in mind, let’s dive into today’s MLB YRFI/NRFI best bets, while you can also check out our expert MLB picks for EVERY postseason game, with our handicappers boasting a 16-3 record so far in the playoffs!
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Seattle Mariners vs Detroit Tigers – YRFI (+120)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing. Playable to +105 odds.
The Detroit Tigers were able to split the 2 games played in Seattle against the Mariners to begin this ALDS. Now they return home to host a couple of crucial games for both teams. Game 3 is set to be a massive matchup with Logan Gilbert starting for the Mariners and Jack Flaherty taking the hill for the Tigers. While both veteran arms have a chance of delivering strong outings for their clubs, the price offered on the YRFI in today’s game is showing some slight value.
Gilbert did not have the complete year he wanted during the regular season, dealing with injury and seeing a decreased inning count as a result. His final stretch to close out the year was not bad in terms of earned runs allowed, but the home-run ball was problematic. Gilbert has allowed 20 home runs in 131 innings this season, but 10 of those came in his last 10 starts with at least 1 surrendered in 9 of those games. A first-inning homer is not out of the question for Detroit tonight, especially given how drastic Gilbert’s overall home and road splits are.
Flaherty gave the Tigers 161.0 innings this season after resigning with the club during free agency. His performance has not been as strong as it was in 2024, however, posting a 4.64 ERA in the regular season. Flaherty is a veteran presence that is still capable of a strong start in this spot, but he is clearly the lesser of the 2 starters. I also believe Flaherty draws the tougher matchup in this one with the Mariners presenting a powerful lineup. Flaherty has been extremely volatile this season, flipping from outstanding starts to poor outings where he doesn’t work deep into the game. With the stakes of Game 3 tonight we could see a shorter leash, but from a first inning perspective I lean toward the YRFI at current pricing.
Read our full Mariners vs Tigers prediction for their ALDS Game 3
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees – NRFI (-115)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -120 odds.
The second game of Tuesday’s Divisional Series double-header is between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto was able to grab both games at home to kickstart this series and will look to sweep tonight behind trade-deadline acquisition Shane Bieber. Bieber spent his entire career with Cleveland before being shipped to another country this season, but the right-hander has responded well with a 3.57 ERA in his 40.1 innings with the club. The right-hander had a shaky start at Cincinnati in his third outing with Toronto, but every other outing has been quality for him. That veteran presence is a quality option to have take the mound in a game of this magnitude, and I expect Bieber to deliver a solid performance during his time in the game.
Carlos Rodon is the scheduled starter in Game 3 for the Yankees, marking his second appearance this postseason. His first was against the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, delivering a quality start with 6.0 innings and 3 earned runs allowed. He was not flawless in that game, but he battled through not having his best stuff and helped New York grab a massive win. Rodon will look to repeat or improve upon that performance tonight as he takes on Toronto for the third time in 2025. Considering Rodon nearly touched 200 innings, just 2 regular-season matchups with a divisional opponent is actually a win for New York, in my opinion. That doesn’t leave Toronto overly familiar with him, and I expect that to help his cause with a scoreless first inning.
Read our full Blue Jays vs Yankees prediction for their ALDS Game 3
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