Ten MLB games between 20 teams are on tap for Thursday. Even on a select slate, there are still plenty of enticing No Runs in the First Inning props (NRFI). Figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups struggle, is key to cashing in on this bet. Big-name starters are set to take the mound today, giving bettors several options.
Ahead of all the action, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Yankees vs. Rays NRFI (-115)
Technically, the Yankees enter tonight’s matchup as the away team. However, with Tropicana Field’s roof damaged, the Rays are calling George M. Steinbrenner Field home this season. That adds extra juice to an already intriguing AL East showdown. New York, for all its recent success, has lost 11 of its last 20 games vs. Tampa Bay. The latter’s seemingly endless supply of young, talented pitching has been a major factor. That includes Taj Bradley, making his fourth start of the season.
It’s been a decent start for the right-hander, having recorded a 3.71 ERA during his first three outings. The 24-year-old has dominated this spot throughout his career, holding the Yankees to one run over 13.0 innings (0.69 ERA). In addition, New York has an NRFI rate of 83.33% on the road, eighth-highest in baseball. The ‘visitors’ will send rookie Will Warren to the mound tonight. There isn’t a ton of data on the youngster, but he has yet to allow a first-frame score. At just -115 odds, this is a risky, but potentially lucrative, NRFI wager for Thursday.
Cardinals vs. Mets NRFI (-120)
Two unexpectedly solid starters take the mound in Queens tonight. Griffin Canning, acquired this offseason, has pitched to a 4.20 ERA over three starts. Those numbers aren’t the most impressive, but it’s a clear upgrade over the righty’s 2024 campaign (5.19 ERA). For the visiting Cardinals, Andre Pallante will look to continue his early-season success. Through three starts, the 26-year-old has allowed four runs in 16.1 innings pitched (2.20 ERA).
Despite rostering some of the game’s best hitters, it’s been a difficult month for New York’s offense. The Mets are averaging the 19th-most runs per game (4.00), including a high NRFI rate of 77.78%. The Cardinals, despite scoring the fifth-most runs in baseball (94), have also gotten out to slow starts. This season, St. Louis has reached home plate in just 16.67% of their games on the road. Given how both lineups take time to heat up, there’s a strong chance this NRFI cashes out tonight.
