Best NRFI Bets Today: Dylan Cease Headlines Thursday’s Card

Thursday's MLB schedule features several pitching matchups that are built for NRFI bettors. Two games showcase legitimate frontline starters and Dylan Cease headlines the group. 

If you're looking to attack the first inning market, Thursday’s slate has tons of value, and we’re placing the bets on DraftKings Sportsbook.

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

Best NRFI Bets for Thursday, August 6

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 $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly. More info on this offer can be found in our detailed DraftKings Sportsbook review.

If you are in a state where DraftKings Sportsbook is not yet legal, we recommend trying Kalshi, one of the best prediction markets in the US. Use Kalshi promo code WSN to sign up, trade $25, and get up to $500.

Blue Jays vs. Cubs – Dylan Cease vs. David Peterson (2:20 PM EST)

The Blue Jays are out of the playoff race, but the Cubs are one of the best teams in the National League.

Pick: Under 0.5 First Inning Runs (-120) at DraftKings

Dylan Cease has quietly put together one of the best seasons of his career and enters Thursday with a dominant 2.41 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 119.1 innings. Even more impressive is his ability to generate strikeouts, piling up 174 while allowing just 78 hits all season.

Few pitchers have been close to no hitters multiple times, but Cease has against San Francisco and Boston.

David Peterson's overall numbers don't jump off the page, carrying a 5.52 ERA and 1.48 WHIP through 101 innings. However, he has enough experience to navigate a clean first inning when he's locating his sinker.

Chicago has shown flashes offensively, but Cease should be able to neutralize Chicago’s lineup.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly at DraftKings

Tigers vs. Mariners – Framber Valdez vs. Bryce Miller (4:10 PM EST)

The Mariners are 1.5 games out of a playoff spot, while the Tigers are just one game back in the Wild Card.

Pick: Under 0.5 First Inning Runs (-135) at DraftKings

Bryce Miller continues to be one of the most efficient pitchers in baseball. Through 74 innings, he owns a 2.80 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP. He attacks the strike zone early, limits free passes, and has just surrendered 55 hits in 2026.

Framber Valdez has been less dominant this season, but he still has the profile of a pitcher capable of escaping early trouble.

Despite a 4.41 ERA, he has logged more than 120 innings and has the experience to keep opposing offenses from doing damage the first time through the order.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Pirates vs. Brewers – Braxton Ashcraft vs. Dustin May (2:10 PM EST)

The Brewers are fighting for the best record in the National League. They have consistently won games because of great pitching.

Pick: Under 0.5 First Inning Runs (-125) at DraftKings

Braxton Ashcraft has developed into one of Pittsburgh's most reliable starters this season. He enters with an impressive 11-4 record, a 3.96 ERA, and 140 strikeouts over 127.1 innings.

His ability to attack hitters early in counts makes him limit walks, which is key for a NRFI.

Dustin May has quietly turned in a solid campaign of his own. While his 4.38 ERA is higher than Ashcraft's, he has still posted a respectable 1.28 WHIP with 106 strikeouts in 109 innings.

Both pitchers have enough swing and miss ability to work around the occasional baserunner, and neither lineup has a lot of power.

Bet $5 at DraftKings and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Best YRFI Bet

• Padres vs. Diamondbacks – Walker Buehler vs. Kohl Drake: Walker Buehler has struggled to consistently keep runs off the board this season, and Kohl Drake is still looking to establish himself at the major league level. This unknown pitching combination creates a prime YRFI opportunity.

Claim $150 in Bonus Bets at DraftKings with a $5 Wager