Best NRFI Bets Today: Skubal vs. Wheeler Highlights Saturday’s Slate

Two of the best pitchers in baseball battle it out on Saturday as Tarik Skubal and the Tigers take on Zack Wheeler and the Phillies. I have targeted an NRFI in this contest.

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Tigers vs. Phillies - Tarik Skubal vs. Zack Wheeler (4:05 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-160) at Hard Rock Sportsbook

Saturday’s matchup between Detroit and Philadelphia features one of the best pitching matchups of the season. Tarik Skubal will throw against Zack Wheeler in a Cy Young caliber showcase. 

Skubal is currently a huge betting favorite to win the AL Cy Young award at -490. In the National League, Wheeler has the second shortest odds to win the award right behind Paul Skenes. 

Skubal enters this contest with a record of 10-3 and a 2.09 ERA. He has struck out 171 batters in 133.2 innings which is the third most in baseball. 

Wheeler is also a big strikeout pitcher as he has fanned 172 batters in 133.2 innings. He is 9-4 with a 2.56 ERA and having the best season in his career. 

These starters are in the top three when it comes to recording outs by strikeout, which is a huge advantage when betting a NRFI. The offenses are both very good but these pitchers are two of the best in the league and they will be prepared. 

Both clubs are hitting .250 or better as a team which puts them both in the top 13 in MLB. This has been a big part of their success, but the pitching is what separates them from other teams. 

Both Detroit and Philadelphia are built for making big playoff runs and it starts with Skubal and Wheeler. I think this will end up being the best pitcher’s duel of the year which is why I'm taking the NRFI. 

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Rangers vs. Mariners - Jacob deGrom vs. Luis Castillo (4:10 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-160) at Hard Rock Sportsbook

The Rangers and Mariners both made numerous trades at the deadline. They’re both going for a championship in 2025, and directly competing for a playoff spot.

Jacob deGrom will get the ball for Texas against Luis Castillo and the Mariners on Saturday/  

deGrom is back to his old-self in 2025 as he enters this game with a 10-3 record and a 2.55 ERA. He has fanned 130 batters in 123.2 innings and has a 0.92 WHIP. 

deGrom hasn’t recorded a full healthy season in a long time as he has battled injuries throughout his career. However, he looks very good heading into August. 

Castillo is 8-6 with a 3.19 ERA this season. In his last three starts, he has pitched 18.2 innings allowing just four runs on 18 strikeouts. 

The Rangers have struggled tremendously on offense as they are hitting .232 as a team which is the fifth worst in baseball. They acquired a ton of relief pitching before the trade deadline which has been the weakest part of their game. 

deGrom and Castillo are both very experienced and strikeout a ton of hitters. This is a huge advantage when betting a NRFI and I think both pitchers will find success on Saturday. 

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Best YRFI Bets Today

• Astros vs. Red Sox - Colton Gordon vs. Walker Buehler: Both offenses swing the bats very well and the pitchers have been struggling in 2025. Buehler is 6-6 with an ERA of 5.72.

• Cardinals vs. Padres - Michael McGreevy vs. Randy Vasquez: The weakest part of both teams has been the starting pitching in 2025 and I expect runs to come early and often in this matchup.

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