Javan Shouey
A new week is here, and we have a loaded MLB slate of games on Monday, August 18.
There are 2 YRFI/NRFI best bets standing out to me this morning, so let’s dive in!
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Mariners vs Phillies – NRFI (-115)
Odds available at DraftKings sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -125 odds.
I expect a scoreless first inning in Monday’s matchup between the Seattle Mariners and the Philadelphia Phillies. Seattle has very little travel following its series in New York and the Little League Classic game last night. They have not had a day off since the 11th, however, and we could eventually see a big bat rested. Seattle will square off against Ranger Suarez, who is in a big of a funk recently. Ranger has seen a dip in his velocity and his production has taken a hit as a result, allowing 14 earned runs in his 3 starts so far this month. That being said, Suarez has still been elite to open games this season with a scoreless first inning in 17 of his 18 starts — including all 9 at home. Fatigue should also be less of an issue to start the game.
Logan Gilbert is set to go for the Mariners, marking his 18th start of the season for Seattle. Gilbert opened the season with ace-like performances, but injuries halted the progress he was making. Instead of a full season of production, Gilbert has moved on and is now focused on being as productive as possible for this Mariners team. Seattle has deep playoff hopes, and the performance of Gilbert will play a large role in how far it can advance. Philadelphia sports a respectable and dangerous lineup, especially at the top of the order, but I expect Gilbert to deliver a clean first inning in this spot.
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Brewers vs Cubs – NRFI (-120)
Odds available at DraftKings sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -130 odds.
Our second NRFI prop of the day is in the opening matchup of a twin bill between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs. The divisional opponents are likely to both make the postseason with Milwaukee sporting the best record in baseball and Chicago holding the top wild card spot in the National League at the moment. This should be a highly competitive series with quality pitching and management on both sides, and I lean toward pitching winning out in Monday’s matchup.
Freddy Peralta is set to start for the Brewers on Monday, marking his 26th appearance of the season. He enters this matchup with a league best 14 wins to his name and a 2.90 ERA in 136.2 innings of work. Peralta is in good form entering this matchup as well, allowing just 1 earned run in his 11.0 innings so far this month. Cade Horton is set to start for the Cubs in this spot as the right-hander makes his 17th appearance and 16th start of the season for Chicago. The talented righty has been extremely productive of late, issuing 28.1 innings of 1-run ball in his last 5 outings. Expect a clean first inning in this matchup on Monday.
