Best NRFI Bets Today: Shota Imanaga Takes the Ball for the Cubs

Shota Imanaga has battled injuries throughout this season, but he’s still one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball. He will take the ball against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, and this is one of my two NRFI bets for the day.

Looking for more MLB betting insights? Check our selection of the Best MLB Home Run Props Today.

Hard Rock Sportsbook has plenty of betting bonuses for their customers. New customers can get $150 in bonus bets when they wager $5 on the app.

If classic sportsbooks are not available in your state, try one of the best social sportsbooks to get in on the MLB action. See our selection below.

Giants vs. Blue Jays - Logan Webb vs. Eric Lauer (3:07 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-130) at Hard Rock Sportsbook

The Giants square off against the Blue Jays on Saturday and the game will feature two excellent pitchers. Logan Webb will go for San Francisco against Eric Lauer of Toronto. 

Both starters have terrific ERA’s and keep the ball in the park. Webb has dominated the league over the last few seasons and I expect him to be on his game Saturday. 

Webb enters this contest with a record of 9-6 and a 2.94 ERA. He has fanned 139 batters in 125.2 innings which is the fourth most in baseball. 

It’s important to select a NRFI with pitchers that get a lot of strikeouts because it helps them get out of stressfuil innings. Webb and Lauer ceck the box for great NRFI bet qualities. 

Lauer is 4-2 with a 2.78 ERA in 2025 and he is also averaging over one strikeout per inning. In his last ten innings he has struck out 13 batters and has only allowed four runs. 

The Giants have the third worst team batting average in baseball hitting .229 as a club. If Lauer stays ahead in the count like he has done all season he will breeze through the first inning.

Bet $5 at Hard Rock Bet and Claim $150 in Bonus Bets

Red Sox vs. Cubs - Brayan Bello vs. Shota Imanaga (7:15 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-105) at Hard Rock Sportsbook

The second NRFI I’m taking is in the Red Sox vs Cubs matchup. It’s scary taking NRFI wagers in Chicago with the wind blowing out but I trust both pitchers. 

Bello enters this game with a record of 5-3 and a 3.27 ERA. In his last three starts he has pitched 20.1 innings and has only allowed five earned runs. 

Bello has a 1.28 WHIP and has struck out 70 batters in 91.2 innings. He is a contact pitcher which is why I like him in this spot. 

When Imanaga is healthy he usually deals. He is 5-3 with a 2.80 ERA in 2025 after battling some injuries. 

Imanaga has a 0.93 WHIP which is one of the best in baseball. He has struck out 48 batters in 68 innings. 

Both Bello and Imanaga are pitchers that don’t get a ton of strikeouts but they effectively pitch to contact.

Get $150 in Bonus Bets at Hard Rock Bet With a $5 Wager

Best YRFI Bets Today

• Royals vs. Marlins - Michael Wacha vs. Cal Quantrill:  These starting pitchers have a combined record of 7-17 and the ERA’s aren’t the best. The hitters should have a field day in this matchup. 

• Padres vs Nationals - Yu Darvish vs. Mitchell Parker:  Darvish is still winless on the year with a 6.48 ERA. Parker hasn’t been the greatest either and the total for this game is set at nine.

Wager $5 at Hard Rock Bet and Claim $150 in Bonus Bets