Best NRFI Bets Today: Back Tarik Skubal Against the Surging Royals Offense

As we enter the second half stretch, Tarik Skubal has an opportunity to pad his lead at the top of the AL Cy Young oddsboard against the surging Kansas City Royals offense. After that takes place, we turn our attention towards the matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners as both offenses get the unfortunate task of going against a pair of productive arms on the mound.

For more information about the NRFI market and what factors into them being worth a wager, check out our breakdown of Daily No Run First Inning.

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FanDuel Sportsbook for example is giving new users $150 in bonus bets for simply creating an account and winning their first bet of at least $5 wagered. Be sure to wager the $5 on a heavy favorite immediately after signing up, maximizing your chances of winning and collecting the $150 in bonus bets.

Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers - Cole Ragans vs. Tarik Skubal (6:40 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-150) at FanDuel

It’s been a roller coaster of a season for the Kansas City Royals, a team that was once threatening to dethrone the Cleveland Guardians for first in the AL Central before going through a cold stretch that knocked them down the standings. Their offense was to blame for their underwhelming period of play, failing to get on base at a league average rate and regressing in the scoring department in the process.

While the Royals have managed to make contact at a more routine rate, their on Base Percentage continues to rank well below league average. Their struggles to get into scoring position are poised to persist as Tarik Skubal has excelled at limiting the number of opposing scoring opportunities. Skubal takes the mound with an ERA of 2.35, a WHIP of 0.923, 154 Total Strikeouts, 96 Hits Against, and just 34 Earned Runs Allowed.

As for the Tigers offense, they have failed to generate any sort of consistent offensive production as they have ranked below league average in Team Total Hits, RBIs, Total Runs Scored, and On Base Percentage all season long. A stunningly low level of play as the Tigers finished 2023 on a high note, backed behind a young core of prospects. That success has failed to translate to this season, and is a major reason why they are in fourth place in the AL Central standings.

The Tigers inability to succeed on offense bodes well for the Royals Cole Ragans as he has steadily regressed since a hot start to his season. Once considered a Cy Young contender, Ragans has steadily dipped down the oddsboard while his ERA and WHIP trended in the wrong direction. Ragans is still a productive pitcher in his own right, now getting the opportunity to round back into form against an anemic offense.

Bet on Under 0.5 Run (-150) at FanDuel

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Seattle Mariners - Tyler Phillips vs. Bryan Woo (9:40 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-125) at FanDuel

Speaking of cold stretches, the Philadelphia Phillies are in the midst of a lull after going 3-7 in their past 10 games. Even as the losses rack up, the Phillies still possess a sizable 6.5 game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East standings. As for the Mariners, their lead has disappeared after the Houston Astros surged up the board and are now tied at the top of the AL West division standings.

Heading into their matchup against the Mariners, Bryan Woo will do the Phillies no favors in their efforts to shake off their cold stretch as he has been a steady source of production for Seattle’s defense. Woo has excelled at keeping opposing batters off the bases, taking the mound with a WHIP of 0.894. It’s also assuring that he is backed by the best defense in the league as the Mariners rank first overall in Defensive Efficiency.

On the other side of the field, the Phillies roll out Tyler Phillips who has excelled in his four appearances so far this season. Taking the mound with an ERA of 1.80, a WHIP of 0.760, and FIP of 3.44, expect Phillips to continue his high level of play against the Mariners as Seattle’s offense ranks near dead last across the board in Team Total Hits, RBIs, Total Runs Scored, and On Base Percentage.

Bet on Under 0.5 Run (-125) at FanDuel

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