The Chicago Cubs have been ice-cold at the dish but an upcoming trip to the West Coast might be just what they need to wake up their slumbering sluggers.
My MLB picks are betting on a run to be scored in the first inning of their clash tonight against the Los Angeles Angeles.
Check out the rest of my best YRFI and NRFI bets for Friday, August 22 below.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
Mets vs 
Braves: NRFI
Guardians vs 
Rangers: NRFI
Cubs vs 
Angels: YRFI
JOIN THRILLZZ - AMERICA'S SOCIAL SPORTSBOOK
Download Thrillzz, today using the code COVERS and get a 400% match on your first coins purchase — plus 60,000 free coins and $3 in free sweeps coins!
Learn more with our comprehensive Thrillzz review.
Available in all states excluding AL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, NV, OH, SC, and WA.
18+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
NRFI/YRFI bets for August 22
Mets at Braves: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
These teams have been mashing in recent weeks but a pair of talented young starters could make runs hard to come by early.
The Atlanta Braves claimed southpaw Joey Wentz off waivers last month and decided to move him from the bullpen to the rotation. That move has paid off with the southpaw pitching to a 2.84 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP through six starts.
He has yet to allow a run in the first inning and faces a New York Mets lineup that struggles against lefties, posting an OPS of just .668. The Mets counter with Nolan McLean who will make his second career start.
The strikeout artist made his MLB debut last week and lived up to lofty expectations, fanning eight while allowing just two hits across 5 1/3 innings.
His ability to make batters miss makes him a tough matchup for the Braves who strike out at a high rate and just lost slugger Austin Riley to a season-ending injury.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Apple TV+
- Bet: NRFI
Guardians at Rangers: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
Both of these teams are terrible at the plate, with the Texas Rangers 27th in the majors in OPS (.679) and the Cleveland Guardians 28th (.673).
Cleveland has been even worse lately, posting an OPS of just .634 in the last 15 days, and will face All-Star Nathan Eovaldi today. The righty has pitched to a 1.76 ERA with a 0.87 WHIP through 21 starts.
Guardians starter Slade Cecconi has been significantly worse but the 26-year-old tends to start strong before unravelling. Cecconi 2.25 ERA through the first two innings with an OBA of .193 in the opening frame.
- Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Victory+ | Guardians TV
- Bet: NRFI
Cubs at Angels: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Chicago Cubs are mired in a slump but this is still a team that's third in the majors in OPS on the road (.761). Their lineup is healthy and they are second in expected slugging percentage, so expect positive regression from them down the stretch.
That regression could happen tonight against the Los Angeles Angels and Tyler Anderson who has a 6.49 ERA with a 7.89 FIP in his last seven starts. Anderson has struggled in the first inning all year, pitching to a 7.12 ERA with an OBA of .311 through 24 starts.
The Cubs also have a struggling starter in Ben Brown. He has pitched to a 5.91 ERA through 99 innings while posting a 9.00 ERA in the opening frame. L.A. is hitting the ball well over the last couple of months and ranks fourth in the majors in run first inning percentage (35.4%).
- Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network West | Marquee Sports Network
- Bet: YRFI
❓What are NRFI and YRFI bets❓
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
