NRFI and Player Prop Bets for September 4: Four Bets for Thursday

PromoGuy Legend

Publish Date: 09/04/2025

Fact checked by: Meghan

It's an extremely sparse day for the MLB, with only six games on the docket. There isn’t a lot of action, which is why we’re splitting our picks into two different categories. A couple of No Run First Inning (NRFI) bets, and two player props.

This article breaks down all four lines, as well as the statistics behind them. That helps explain our reasoning and covers why we like each bet over similar lines.

1. Phillies vs Brewers No Run First Inning (-135)

While it may seem like an odd pick at first glance, the only afternoon game of the day could be a solid candidate for NRFI. The Phillies and Brewers are two of the best teams in baseball. They also have strong lineups and can score in droves.

Despite that, this matchup could start slow. That’s because the Brewers will send Freddy Peralta (2.58 ERA) to the mound against the equally talented Ranger Suarez (3.02 ERA). Both pitchers can deal, and they also tend to start games off hot.

Peralta hasn’t given up a first inning run in 86 percent of his starts this year, while Suarez has a 0.43 first inning ERA this season. That combination means, despite the dangerous lineups, the bats should be quiet in the first frame.

2. Los Angeles Angels vs. Kansas City Royals No Run First Inning (-135)

The Angels and Royals are our second favorite NRFI on the day, not necessarily because of the pitching lineup, but because both teams have weak offenses. The Angels have only scored fifteen runs in their last five games, which puts them in the bottom third of the league.

On the other side, the Royals are 28th in runs and 24th in first inning scoring. Even when Kansas City’s bats do heat up, they only do so late. No team in the majors has failed to score in the opening frame more than the Royals.

Angels starter Kyle Hendricks has been rocky over the past months, but he’s held opponents scoreless in the first over his past three starts. On the other side, the Royals Noah Cameron has a 2.92 ERA and has been solid all year long. Both pitchers should come out strong against relatively cold bats.

3. Junior Caminero to Hit a Home Run vs. Guardians (+265)

Home runs bets are always tricky, but for Thursday our top candidate is Rays slugger Junior Caminero. The rookie is having a great power season. He’s knocking in plenty of runs, knows how to wait for his pitch, and clobbered his 40th home run of the year earlier this week.

He’s always better at home, which is where he’ll be vs. the Guardians. The righty has .324/.364/.629 splits at George M. Steinbrenner Field with a .993 OPS and 51.2 hard hit percentage. He’s knocked in 21 of his long balls there as well.

Those numbers have gone up for Caminero over the past ten days, which bodes well as he faces Logan Allen. The pitcher who has given up a .437 slugging percentage and 14 home runs to right handed batters this year. It’s more than plausible that Caminero could get a hold of one.

4. Jose Altuve Over 0.5 RBIs vs. Yankees (+200)

Altuve may not be having his best season statwise, but the Houston hitter continues to put his bat on the ball and drive runs home. He is having an above average year when compared to the rest of the league and, batting third on Thursday, finds himself in a good position to get an RBI.

While the slugger faces a tough matchup against Carlos Rodon (3.18 ERA), the Yankees have one of the worst bullpens in baseball. New York gives up a lot of hits later in games, which is where Altuve could reach this line.

On top of that, the dome will be closed in Minute Maid Park. That increases the temperature, which then increases offense. Altuve also pulls 41.8 percent of his fly balls, which could allow to get one over the 2nd-shallowest left field fence in the MLB.

All lines courtesy of DraftKings and BetMGM.