All 30 MLB teams will take the field today on a loaded 15-game slate. With so many squads in action, now is the time to consider a few 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 enticing options to choose from.
Ahead of all the action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Dodgers vs. Rangers NRFI (-125)
World Series contenders are set to meet in Arlington when the Rangers host the Dodgers. Tonight, two arms worth a combined $510 million will take the mound for a potential pitcher’s duel. For the visitors, Yoshinobu Yamamoto will hope to continue his hot start. This season, the right-hander has recorded a 1.23 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 22.0 innings of work. During those four appearances, he has yet to allow an earned run in the first inning.
On the other side, Jacob deGrom will be tasked with slowing down a dangerous Dodgers offense. It’s been a middling first month for the 36-year-old, owner of a 4.20 ERA. Still, the former Cy Young winner remains one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers (when healthy). It helps that Los Angeles doesn’t score early often, posting a 75% NRFI rate on the road this season. As good as both of these lineups are, it’s difficult to ignore the starting pitching talent on display tonight.
Athletics vs. Brewers NRFI (-145)
For years, the Brewers have built their roster around strong starting pitching. Despite suffering numerous injuries in its rotation, Milwaukee still has ace Freddy Peralta in tow. The All-Star has come out of the gates strong, putting up a 2.31 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 28 strikeouts over 23.1 innings. His opponent tonight, the Athletics, have a surprisingly low 60.0% NRFI rate on the road this season. However, those numbers are skewed from visiting the Rockies and White Sox.
The A’s will send J.T. Ginn to the mound; the right-hander has a 3.89 ERA over nine career appearances. However, the biggest cause for optimism in this matchup is Milwaukee’s early game ineptitude. This season, the Brewers have an NRFI rate of 84.21%, worst in all of baseball. Even against an unproven starter, I’m willing to bet that trend continues on Friday.
Giants vs. Angels (-120)
We’ll finish up the list out West, where the Giants will look to carry their momentum into Los Angeles. Taking the mound for San Francisco will be Logan Webb. The righty has been his usual, consistent self, pitching to a 2.63 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 24.0 innings. Despite allowing a first inning run in half his starts, there’s not enough sample size to fade the All-Star in this spot. It helps that Angels slugger Mike Trout is in a slump, hitting .179 so far.
The Halos will turn to veteran Tyler Anderson on Friday. The two-time All-Star remains one of the league’s most underrated starters. Through three outings this season, he’s notched a team-leading 2.87 ERA. When he faced the Giants last year, Anderson surrendered only one run in 5.1 innings of work. In addition, San Francisco has the ninth-highest NRFI rate in baseball (73.68%). With two capable hurlers toeing the slab, bettors should strongly consider this inter-league nightcap.
