Javan Shouey
We’ve got a full 15-game slate of MLB action to look forward to this evening as the weekend officially gets underway. YRFI/NRFI bets can be some of the best entertainment money can buy, especially when those bets win. Today we have 2 NRFI bets that are showing solid value, so let’s dive in! You can also find out our expert MLB picks for EVERY GAME today.
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Phillies vs Rangers – NRFI (-130)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -140 odds.
Cristopher Sanchez has developed from a solid rotational contributor for the Phillies into a bona fide ace-caliber partner for Zack Wheeler atop the Phillies rotation. Sanchez has delivered 138.2 innings for the Phillies so far while producing a 2.40 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 145 strikeouts along the way. His most recent outing was a dazzling effort against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday Night Baseball, as the southpaw hurler delivered 8 scoreless frames against one of the American League’s best teams. Sanchez will look to continue his dominance on Friday night as he takes on the Texas Rangers. Through his first 22 starts of the season, Sanchez has allowed a run within the first inning just 4 times, including just 2 of his 12 road starts.
Merrill Kelly made his Rangers debut last week against the Seattle Mariners, delivering 5.2 innings of 2-run ball for his new club. Kelly spent the better part of 7 seasons with the Diamondbacks, and it was likely an emotional time for the right-hander as he was shipped away from Arizona. He is also likely fired up to be pitching in a competitive setting once again, however, and I expect an inspired effort from him on Friday as they take on the Phillies. Merrill has posted a 3.22 ERA in his 134.1 innings of work this season. He hasn’t been the sharpest to start games off, but I do look for a scoreless first inning in this game.
Read our full Phillies vs Rangers prediction
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Mets vs Brewers – NRFI (-130)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -140 odds.
Our other NRFI suggestion for Friday’s slate of action comes in the Mets vs Brewers matchup. Kodai Senga is set to start for the Mets in this spot, marking his 18th start of the season. Senga had a delayed start to his year, but through his first 89.2 innings, he has posted a 2.31 ERA. While his recent outings haven’t been as strong, Senga’s performance will be crucial for the Mets’ success as the season continues. He has the ability to provide top-end starter production for the Mets, and I expect a strong effort from him on Friday. Milwaukee is a tough lineup with their patience and multiple sources of production. That being said, Senga should be able to deliver a clean first inning as he has done in 13 of his first 17 starts this season.
The Mets’ offense has not been in its best form of late, especially when facing right-handed pitching. Brandon Woodruff enters this matchup in very good form, and I look for that to continue. Woodruff also had a delayed start to his campaign, debuting at the beginning of July. He had made only 5 starts so far, spanning a combined 28.1 innings of work, but his production in that period has been very encouraging. Woodruff has posted a 2.22 ERA with 37 strikeouts to only 4 walks in that stretch of play, and despite 5 home runs issued so far, I am confident he will continue to be a strong producer for this rotation.
Check out today’s MLB best bets, with our experts currently on a 7-1 run!
