Best NRFI Bets Today: Paul Skenes Headlines Friday's Pitching Slate

Friday's MLB schedule features several games where the starting pitching stands out, giving NRFI bettors multiple opportunities to win.

The Reds and Pirates square off with Paul Skenes on the mound, while the Mariners travel to Cleveland for an American League matchup. The Blue Jays also host the Rangers in a game featuring two experienced starters.

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

Best NRFI Bets for Friday, June 26

Odds for today's NRFIs are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook. Sign up for a DraftKings account today and claim your welcome bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly. More info on this offer can be found in our detailed DraftKings Sportsbook review.

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Reds vs. Pirates - Andrew Abbott vs. Paul Skenes (6:40 PM EST)

Paul Skenes continues to be one of the easiest pitchers to trust in the NRFI market.

Under 0.5 Run (-115) at DraftKings

Skenes enters Friday with a 2.86 ERA and an outstanding 0.93 WHIP through 88 innings. He's given up only 64 hits while striking out 107 batters, allowing very few opportunities for opponents to generate early offense. 

His combination of elite command and overpowering stuff makes him one of the toughest first-inning matchups in baseball.

Abbott has been solid for Cincinnati despite pitching around a lot of traffic The left-hander owns a 3.83 ERA across 84.2 innings and has limited opponents well enough to keep the Reds competitive. 

If he can avoid issuing free passes early, this game has all the ingredients fora successful NRFI.

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Mariners vs. Guardians - Luis Castillo vs. Joey Cantillo (7:10 PM EST)

The Mariners and Guardians are both at the front of the American League playoff race, making this series vital. 

Under 0.5 Run (-115) at DraftKings

Luis Castillo has struck out 69 hitters in 70.2 innings and still possesses the swing-and-miss arsenal, which is why he has been so successful in his career. While his ERA sits above five, he's often settled in quickly before running into trouble later in outings.

Joey Cantillo has quietly put together a winning campaign, going 6-3 while logging 80 innings for Cleveland. He's recorded 76 strikeouts and generally keeps games under control when his fastball command is working.

Both pitchers have enough strikeout upside to work through one trip at the top of the lineup, making this a worthwhile NRFI target.

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Rangers vs. Blue Jays - Nathan Eovaldi vs. Patrick Corbin (7:10 PM EST)

Toronto hosts Texas in a matchup featuring two veterans who know how to navigate experienced lineups.

Under 0.5 Run (-125) at DraftKings

Nathan Eovaldi has been durable once again in 2026, throwing 93.1 innings while recording 92 strikeouts against only 22 walks. His ability to consistently attack the strike zone makes him a reliable option to handle the first inning efficiently.

Corbin's overall numbers haven't been as strong, but he's shown flashes of effectiveness throughout the year. The veteran left-hander has the experience to mix pitches and avoid costly mistakes early, especially against a Rangers lineup that has been inconsistent at times.

If Eovaldi delivers another clean start and Corbin can survive his first trip through the order, this matchup has a good chance to cash the NRFI.

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Best YRFI Bet

• Diamondbacks vs. Rays - Zac Gallen vs. Nick Martinez: Zac Gallen has struggled to find consistency all season, posting a 6.10 ERA and 1.63 WHIP while allowing 105 hits and 13 home runs in just under 80 innings. Arizona and Tampa Bay both have enough offensive firepower to capitalize on mistakes, making this a great spot to back a run in the opening inning.

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