The Giants host the Cardinals in Oracle Park as JT Brubaker makes his first start with SF, facing Sonny Gray who owns strong strikeout numbers. Brubaker carries a 3.65 ERA and 3.15 FIP with 18 K across 24.2 IP this split; Gray sits at 4.33 with 3.38 FIP and 194 K through 174.2 IP. With 77-81 SF and 78-80 STL, this late-season tilt could swing bullpen usage and fantasy upside in a park that minimizes homers.

Expect a pitching-focused night where Brubaker’s debut seizes attention and Gray provides a steadier floor. In DFS, Gray is the safer bet; Brubaker offers tournament upside if his command cooperates and he keeps the ball down in Oracle Park.

The Pittsburgh Pirates managed to secure a victory against the Colorado Rockies, winning 9-5 after losing the first two games of the series. Spencer Horwitz was the standout player, hitting two home runs, including a three-run shot that contributed significantly to the Pirates' lead. The team started strong with an infield single from Nick Gonzales followed by a powerful 446-foot home run from Tommy Pham, putting the Pirates up 3-0 early. Mitch Keller led the pitching efforts, allowing only one run through five innings before the Rockies responded with back-to-back-to-back homers in the sixth inning.

Jacob Misiorowski, the Milwaukee Brewers' rookie sensation, is ready to face off against the Chicago Cubs after a stellar introduction to the majors, including matchups with elite pitchers like Paul Skenes and Clayton Kershaw. Misiorowski maintains a focused mindset, prioritizing his preparation over scouting opponents. This pivotal series features high-stakes pitching duels, with Misiorowski up against Matthew Boyd in the opener, setting the tone for a competitive clash between division rivals.

Both teams are vying for postseason glory, with the Cubs currently holding a narrow lead in their season series against the Brewers. The series promises an electric atmosphere, especially as Cubs fans often flood American Family Field, creating a vibrant environment. Notably, the return of former Brewers manager Craig Counsell adds an intriguing layer to this rivalry, intensifying the competition on the field.

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.