The New York Yankees are an offensive juggernaut, and facing a pitcher who hasn't started since 2023 should lead to an early explosion of runs tonight.
Their showdown with the Braves headlines my MLB picks for Saturday as I break down the latest odds.
Here are my best free YRFI and NRFI bets for July 19.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
White Sox vs 
Pirates: NRFI
Angels vs 
Phillies: YRFI
Yankees vs 
Braves: YRFI
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NRFI/YRFI bets for July 19
White Sox at Pirates: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Chicago White Sox rank second-last in the majors in OPS (.645) while the Pittsburgh Pirates are dead-last at .639.
Chicago is averaging just 3.23 runs per game on the road and heads into pitcher-friendly PNC Park tonight. Meanwhile, the Pirates haven’t scored in the first inning this month and account for 1.92 runs per game overall.
This play is a clear fade of the two worst offenses in the bigs.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch:
SportsNet-PIT | CHSN
- Bet: NRFI
Angels vs Phillies: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Philadelphia Phillies are second in the majors in run first-inning rate at home (39.1%) while boasting an OPS of .784. They've been productive against lefties and will face Los Angeles Angels southpaw Yusei Kikuchi today.
Kikuchi is putting together the best season of his career, pitching to a 3.11 ERA through 20 starts. That said, he's in the bottom 25th percentile in barrel rate and the bottom 10th percentile in average exit velocity, leading to an xERA of 4.31.
Meanwhile, the Angels are red-hot at the dish, ranking fourth in the majors in OPS (.799) while averaging 5.26 runs per game over the last 30 days. They'll face Taijuan Walker, who is the weak link in Philadelphia's rotation and has pitched to a 4.57 FIP since the middle of April.
- Time: 6:05 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBCSP | FanDuel Sports Network West
- Bet: YRFI
Yankees at Braves: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Atlanta Braves will send Joey Wentz to the hill for his first start since 2023, when he logged a 6.90 ERA across 19 starts. He has pitched to a 6.32 ERA with a 1.70 WHIP in 37 innings as a reliever this season.
Wentz will face an elite New York Yankees lineup that leads the majors in OPS (.790) and ranks second in run-first-inning rate (34%).
New York also has a mediocre starter of its own in Will Warren (4.63 ERA through 20 starts). He's been especially brutal in the first inning, posting a 7.20 ERA with an OBA of .309.
Although the Braves have underperformed offensively, they rank eighth in barrel rate and sixth in exit velocity, which indicates positive regression on the horizon.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network South | YES
- 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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