Javan Shouey
The 4th of July weekend is over, and we are now rapidly approaching the MLB all-star break. With a handful of games to finish out prior to the break, focus should be at a peak for MLB teams across the league. This article covers my favorite YRFI and NRFI bets of the day, so let’s dive in! You can also get our MLB picks for EVERY GAME today.
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YRFI/NRFI best bet: Diamondbacks vs Padres – YRFI (-120)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -130 odds.
Zac Gallen has struggled on the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks of late, allowing 4 or more earned runs in 8 of his last 10 starts. This includes an outing against the San Diego Padres where he allowed 4 earned runs in 6.1 innings of work thanks to 6 base hits and 4 free passes allowed. Gallen was one of the better starting pitching options in the National League for the past few seasons, but his 5.45 ERA in 104 innings this season is a far less impressive mark. Gallen’s control is not what it once was, and his ability to generate whiffs is not as strong as before. A close proximity rematch against a contact-oriented Padres lineup that is rounding into health is a tough task.
Yu Darvish is set to make his return to the majors in this game as well. While the return of Darvish is a welcome sight for the Padres who could use rotational help, I am not banking on peak performance from the veteran right-hander right away. He made just one official minor league rehab start with several other simulated games and bullpen sessions worked in. With one more expected start before the break, I would expect to see a short leash for the veteran. Look for Arizona to take advantage of potential rust with a quick strike in the first inning as my first YRFI/NRFI best bet.
YRFI/NRFI best bet: Pirates vs Royals – NRFI (-125)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -135 odds.
Two of the lesser offenses in the sport will face off in this series as the Kansas City Royals host the Pittsburgh Pirates, and I’m expecting a quick frame in KC for my 2nd YRFI/NRFI best bet. Pittsburgh has been one of the premier teams when it comes to limiting runs, and the Royals have struggled to clear their game totals with any consistency this season. For the purpose of this write-up, I am favoring the NRFI between Andrew Heaney and Noah Cameron. Heaney is not in his best form, but he did toss 6 scoreless innings in his last start against the Cardinals. I would prefer to back Heaney in his home park, but I believe he can get through an inning cleanly in this spot.
Cameron has pitched well so far in his rookie season, earning 56.1 innings through his first 10 MLB starts. His 2.56 ERA and 1.01 WHIP are strong marks, and his last start was strong with 4.2 scoreless frames against the Seattle Mariners. Pittsburgh has been inconsistent offensively all season long and if Cameron can get past Oneil Cruz he has a very strong chance of avoiding a first inning run allowed.
