By admin 
It’s “Friday Fly Ball Frenzy,” with three power bats ready to give the bleachers some action. Esmerlyn Valdez gets Shota Imanaga, who’s allowed 33 homers this season and nine over his last six starts. Austin Riley faces Aaron Nola, whom he’s taken deep six times. Jackson Chourio draws Andrew Abbott after going deep in back-to-back games.
Read more Premier League Player, Manager of the Month: August 2026 Winners Revealed
Valdez, Riley and Chourio have the splits, history and hot bats to send some souvenirs into the seats Friday.
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.
- Best MLB First-Inning Predictions (NRFI/YRFI) for Friday, Sept. 11
Best Home Run Props Today
Esmerlyn Valdez Home Run Bet (+TBD)
Valdez has been flashing some serious pop lately, crushing three homers over his last 11 games. Now he gets Shota Imanaga, who’s basically become a target for right-handed power. Imanaga has coughed up 33 bombs this season, including 22 to righties and nine over his last six starts. Valdez handles lefties well, and this matchup is too good to pass up.
Read more NRFI, YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First-Inning Predictions for Friday, Sept. 11
Austin Riley Home Run Bet (+526)
Riley didn’t get Aaron Nola on Sept. 6, but this matchup is too good not to run it back Friday. Riley has crushed Nola throughout his career, batting .338 with a .676 slugging percentage and six homers in 68 at-bats. Nola has surrendered 32 bombs this season, including 13 over his last 12 starts. With 14 of Riley’s 16 homers coming against righties, I’m giving him another shot Friday.
Jackson Chourio Home Run Bet (+506)
Chourio is bringing a hot power stroke into Friday after going deep Tuesday and Wednesday, giving him three September bombs and 23 on the season. Now he gets Andrew Abbott, whom Chourio has already taken deep twice while going 3-for-10 against him. Abbott has surrendered 22 homers this season, including 16 to righties and four over his last two starts.
Read more Team USA’s Caitlin Clark Decision Draws Strong Words From Spain Star
2026 MLB HR Leaders
- DH Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies (44)
- CF Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs (41)
- 3B Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays (39)
- DH Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (38)
- 1B Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves (37)
- C Hunter Goodman, Colorado Rockies (37)
Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published September 11, 2026 at 4:30 AM.