The MLB board for Friday is headlined by an AL Central clash between division leaders Detroit and second-place Kansas City.
With both squads mashing at the plate over the last couple of weeks, my MLB picks are betting on a run to be scored in the first inning.
Here are my best NRFI bets for August 29.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
Braves vs 
Philles: YRFI
Pirates vs 
Red Sox: NRFI
Tigers vs 
Royals: YRFI
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NRFI/YRFI bets for August 29
Braves at Phillies: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Philadelphia Phillies have an OPS of .819 at home — the second-best number in the majors. They boast an OPS of .898 over the last 15 days and face the Atlanta Braves and struggling righty Bryce Elder today.
Elder has a 6.12 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP through 22 starts. He's been awful in the first inning, where he has pitched to a 6.55 ERA with an OBA of .298. Phillies starter Ranger Suarez has impressive season-long stats but has been shaky lately, logging a 4.78 ERA over his last eight starts.
Based on advanced metrics, the Braves have had one of the unluckiest offenses this year. That luck is starting to turn around with Atlanta ninth in the majors in OPS (.768) over the last 15 days.
When you also factor in the 13 mph wind blowing towards the outfield today, backing these offenses makes sense.
- Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Apple TV+
- Bet: YRFI
Pirates at Red Sox: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
In games where Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes starts, we usually see the NRFI bet in the range of -160 to -180. With that prop set at around -140 today, that provides nice value.
Skenes is the NL Cy Young favorite and leads the majors in ERA (2.07) and WAR (6.2) while ranking third in WHIP (0.94). That said, he gets little run support from a Pirates squad that ranks dead-last in OPS (.657) and runs per game (3.59).
Those numbers are even worse on the road, and today they're at Fenway to face Boston Red Sox top pitching prospect Payton Tolle. Tolle impressed in limited action at the Double-A and Triple-A levels, and I expect him to get off to a good start against this punchless Pirates squad.
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MLBN
- Bet: NRFI
Tigers at Royals: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
Both of these teams have been hitting the ball well, with the Kansas City Royals sixth in the majors in OPS over the last 15 days (.805) and the Detroit Tigers eighth (.784).
They also have a couple of struggling starters on the hill. The Royals will give the ball to Seth Lugo, who is in the bottom 15th percentile in barrel rate, exit velocity, and expected ERA (5.19).
The Tigers counter with Chris Paddack, who has an xERA of 4.83 with an xBA of .284. Paddack has been brutal in the opening frame, where he has a 6.58 ERA with an OBA of .324 through 26 starts.
- Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City | FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
- 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.
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