As the MLB season heats up, savvy bettors are eyeing No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets for August 6, 2025, focusing on favorable pitching matchups across a busy slate of games. Key matchups include Michael Wacha of the Kansas City Royals against Boston's Dustin May, both of whom have shown strong NRFI records. Wacha boasts a stellar 20-2 NRFI this season, while May, despite a rocky start with the Red Sox, holds an 11-7 NRFI record and could shine in his debut.

In another highlight, Jose Quintana of the Milwaukee Brewers faces Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves. Quintana's consistent performances yield a 12-4 NRFI, while Strider's strikeout potential remains appealing despite his 10-4 NRFI record. Lastly, Chicago White Sox's Jonathan Cannon teams up against Seattle's George Kirby, with both pitchers presenting solid NRFI potential. Bettors are encouraged to monitor lineups and weather conditions before placing bets on these enticing first-inning matchups.

After a disappointing doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles, the Toronto Blue Jays made a strategic trade to bolster their struggling bullpen. They acquired veteran reliever Seranthony Domínguez from the Orioles in exchange for their 10th-ranked prospect, Juaron Watts-Brown. Domínguez, who has a 3.24 ERA this season, is expected to step into a high-leverage role alongside Yariel Rodríguez and Brendon Little. Despite being a pending free agent, the Jays are keen on improving their bullpen, which ranked 17th in the majors with a 3.94 ERA prior to the trade. This move highlights the competitive nature of the trade market as more contenders vie for quality relief options.

Following this acquisition, veteran Chad Green was designated for assignment after struggling through the season, allowing the most home runs by any reliever. The Jays' management is eyeing further improvements to strengthen their playoff chances as they pursue additional bullpen arms, a starting pitcher, and potentially a right-handed bat.

On July 22, 2025, MLB betting enthusiasts can look forward to several engaging NRFI (No Runs First Inning) betting opportunities across a packed schedule. Matchups feature standout pitchers like Casey Mize and Mitch Keller, who are both having solid seasons, making their NRFI odds appealing. Mize, with an impressive 3.15 ERA, and Keller, at 3.48, are expected to perform well against struggling offenses.

In particular, the Detroit Tigers have been ineffective at scoring early, notching only 29 runs in July so far. The Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, featuring Richard Fitts and Cristopher Sánchez, also present favorable conditions for NRFI betting, given their recent first-inning struggles. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers, riding a winning streak, face the Seattle Mariners and their lackluster first-inning performance. The Yankees and Royals matchup draws attention for its potential over/under given the pitchers involved. Overall, July 22 offers plenty of NRFI betting angles worth considering amidst solid pitching matchups and low-scoring trends.

USC Baseball has made an impact during the MLB draft, with three players selected, solidifying their talent pool for the upcoming seasons. Pitcher Caden Hunter was picked by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round after a season where he recorded a 5.50 ERA and 6 wins. Infielder Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek followed in the 20th round, chosen by the New York Yankees. Despite being drafted last year by the Blue Jays but opting not to sign, he returned for another year at USC where he hit .294 with eight home runs. The draft signing deadline looms on July 28, leaving these players with crucial decisions regarding their futures.

Two former Jacksonville State baseball standouts, Jackson Phipps and Joe Scarborough, were selected in the 2025 MLB Draft. Phipps, a senior pitcher, was taken by the Oakland Athletics in the 16th round after a strong season where he posted a 3.33 ERA and struck out 83 batters in nearly 76 innings. Scarborough, a relief pitcher, was chosen by the New York Mets in the 19th round. He had a solid season at Jax State, appearing in 19 games with a 4-2 record despite a higher ERA of 6.62. Their selections mark a return to the draft for the Gamecocks after a year without any players being picked, bringing the total number of draftees from the program to 69.