Javan Shouey
Thursday’s MLB trade deadline was a whirlwind of emotions across the league as fans and organizations parted ways with longtime contributors. There were also acquisitions that may have brought fanbases tears of joy. Either way, the flurry of transactions has sparked increased interest for the remainder of the season, and it should be an entertaining finish to the year as we enter the home straight. This article covers my 2 MLB YRFI/NRFI best bets for Friday, August 1, so let’s dive in! You can also find out our expert MLB picks for EVERY GAME today.
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Yankees vs Marlins – NRFI (-135)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -140 odds.
The New York Yankees were one of the league’s more active organizations during the trade deadline, acquiring bench bats and much-needed bullpen help. They are positioned to compete for the top spot in the American League and Carlos Rodon has been a large part of their success so far this season. Rodon has posted a 3.18 ERA and 1.05 WHIP alongside 147 strikeouts in his first 130 innings pitched this season. He has been a workhorse for the Yankees with the depth he has provided, but today we are simply seeking a clean first inning. Rodon should find success early on against a Marlins lineup that is both youthful and inconsistent.
The Marlins are starting Janson Junk in this game, and I believe he can contribute a straightforward first inning on his side of things as well. Junk has seen his role expanded after beginning the season as a reliever, and the right-hander has been seeing a normal workload for a starter in recent weeks. The 29-year-old has a 3.28 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through his first 60.1 innings pitched this season, and he has delivered several quality outings as a starter for the Marlins so far. The Yankees’ lineup is a daunting task at times for opposing starters, but I believe Junk can escape the first inning with a zero on the board.
Read our full Yankees vs Marlins prediction for today’s matchup
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Giants vs Mets – NRFI (-140)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -145 odds.
Our 2nd YRFI/NRFI best bet of the day includes the other team from New York, as the Mets are hosting the San Francisco Giants on Friday. We have a battle of southpaw starting pitchers with Robbie Ray drawing the start for the Giants and David Peterson earning the nod for the Mets. Both starting options have had productive campaigns in 2025 for their respective clubs. Ray added a changeup in the offseason and that additional offering has added another dimension to his arsenal. Ray enters this matchup in good form and the Mets have been less productive when facing southpaw pitching this season. Look for a strong start from the former Cy Young winner.
Peterson was an all-star this season and deservedly so with his 2.83 ERA across 121 innings of work. This includes 25.2 innings with only 3 earned runs surrendered in the month of July, so he enters this game in elite form. The Giants’ offense does not enter this game in elite form, and their offense has actually caved since acquiring Rafael Devers. That acquisition was supposed to be a boost for the lineup but no team in baseball has been less productive in terms of runs scored since that deal was made. Look for a scoreless first inning in this matchup on Friday.
Get our MLB best bets for today, with our experts boasting a 111-81 record this season!
