DKNetwork Logo DKNetwork Logo
MLB Best Bets Today: Top NRFI props for Saturday 8/1/26

MLB Best Bets Today: Top NRFI props for Saturday 8/1/26

Published:

By: Bryan Armetta

All 30 teams will take the field for Saturday’s MLB slate. For those looking to cash in quickly on a bet, nothing makes more sense than an NRFI. With that being said, there’s more to this one than meets the eye. Some pitchers thrive early, while others take more time to get settled in than others. Which NRFI picks are worth a closer look on Saturday?

Ahead of today’s Major League Baseball contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Best NRFI Prop Bets Today

GamePitching Matchup
Phillies vs. Orioles NRFI (-110)Sanchez vs. Baz
Yankees vs. Cubs NRFI (-165)Fried vs. Peterson

Phillies vs. Orioles NRFI (-110)

Philadelphia will hand the ball to its ace tonight, Cristopher Sanchez. A starter for the National League in the All-Star Game, it’s been a terrific 2026 campaign from the Dominican. Over 138.2 innings pitched (22 starts), he’s notched a 2.73 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 157 strikeouts (10.2 K/9). The southpaw comes into this one with a solid 77.3% NRFI rate this season. He’ll take on a middling Orioles lineup that can struggle to generate early runs. Baltimore’s offense has put up an American League-worst 24.55% YRFI rate.

On the other side, Shane Baz will get the nod at Camden Yards. All things considered, it’s been a solid debut with his new club. The right-hander has recorded a 3.98 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 107 strikeouts (7.9 K/9), much-needed production for a mediocre Orioles rotation. Baz enters Saturday’s contest on a four-game NRFI streak. He’ll look to keep that going against a Philadelphia offense that has failed to meet expectations this season. The Phillies are averaging just 4.34 runs per game, 12th-fewest in the majors. To boot, they have notched a below average 25.45% YRFI rate on the road.

Yankees vs. Cubs NRFI (-165)

Pitching has been a strength all season for the Yankees, especially when Max Fried is healthy. During 12 starts this season (69.2 IP), the three-time All-Star has delivered a 3.23 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 61 strikeouts (7.9 K/9). There’s reason to believe he can toss a gem tonight; Fried owns a sparkling 1.76 ERA over seven career meetings with the Cubs. For NRFI purposes, the North Siders could also struggle. Chicago has a 24.55% YRFI rate, tied for fifth-lowest in the sport.

As for the visiting Yankees, it’s been a difficult few months at the plate. With Aaron Judge (ribs) and now Cody Bellinger (hamstring) sidelined, a once-formidable offense has looked feeble in recent weeks; that’s especially true against southpaws. Since June 1st, New York has posted baseball’s sixth-worst OPS against lefties (.651). The Pinstripes also have recorded a mediocre 26.23% YRFI rate on the road this season. David Peterson is no ace, having looked terrible on the mound for most of 2026. However, he’s riding a four-game NRFI streak. Over his previous three appearances, the former Mets hurler has a 1.56 ERA. Keeping that in mind, there’s a good chance he keeps dealing tonight.

Find all your NRFI and YRFI info on the DK Stats Hub! Click here for more!

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.