Best NRFI Bets Today: Mets vs. Phillies Features Thursday's Lone MLB Matchup

Thursday's MLB schedule is unlike any other during the regular season, with just one game on the board before the All-Star break officially concludes. All of the attention is on the National League when the Mets face the Phillies. 

While the Phillies enter with the better record at 54-43 compared to New York's 40-57, both teams have been inconsistent offensively at times. This makes the NRFI appealing and it’s plus money on DraftKings.

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Best NRFI Bets for Thursday, July 16

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Mets vs. Phillies – Christian Scott vs. Aaron Nola (7:00 PM EST)

The NL East is far from over, and both the Mets and Phillies could use a win to start the second half of the season. 

Under 0.5 Run (+105)

Christian Scott has quietly become one of the brighter spots in New York's rotation. Through 54 innings, the right-hander owns a 2-1 record with a 3.17 ERA while limiting opponents to just 44 hits. 

His 65 strikeouts show he has the swing-and-miss stuff needed to neutralize dangerous hitters before they can build momentum. He has issued 26 walks, but he's consistently found ways to work out of trouble, and he must against the Phillies’ top of the order. 

Aaron Nola, who will throw for the Phillies is the wild card of the two starters on Thursday. 

Nola's overall numbers haven't resembled the ace Phillies fans have grown accustomed to watching. He enters Thursday at 3-6 with a 5.75 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, allowing 108 hits and 20 home runs across 97 innings. Those numbers certainly make backing a NRFI more uncomfortable than usual.

However, Nola still possesses elite strikeout ability. His 102 strikeouts demonstrate that he remains capable of overpowering hitters when his command is working, and one clean inning is all we need to cash this NRFI. 

The offenses are scary for both teams, but they have been extremely inconsistent despite being loaded with All-Star hitters. 

Juan Soto continues to carry New York's lineup, leading the club with 21 home runs, 51 RBIs, and a .290 batting average. He's always capable of changing a game with one swing, but outside of Soto, the Mets haven't generated consistent production. 

As a team they're batting .234 with 398 runs and a .381 slugging percentage, which rank near the bottom of the league. 

The Phillies counter with one of the league's most dangerous power threats in Kyle Schwarber. He enters the game with 32 home runs and 59 RBIs, while Brandon Marsh leads the club with a .301 batting average. 

Philadelphia has produced 424 runs and 124 home runs this season, giving Scott a much tougher challenge than Nola will likely face.

Even with Philadelphia's offensive advantage, Scott's ability to miss bats gives him a legitimate chance to navigate the top of the lineup. His strikeout rate has been one of the biggest reasons for his early success, and if he gets ahead in the count against Schwarber and company, the Mets can quickly record three outs.

This matchup isn't as clear-cut as some of the NRFI spots we've seen throughout the season because of Nola's struggles, but the combination of Scott's impressive rookie campaign and New York's inconsistent offense gives this wager enough value.

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