15 games between 30 teams are set for Tuesday across Major League Baseball. With several marquee matchups, there’s ample opportunity to place some player props. That includes a few NRFI wagers (No Runs in the First Inning); in the blink of an eye, bettors can cash in. However, figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups struggle, is key.
Ahead of today’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Padres at Yankees (-120)
On paper, this doesn’t have the makings of a low-scoring first inning. The Yankees (30th) and the Padres (24th) both rank within the bottom ten in NRFI rate this season. Superstars such as Aaron Judge and Fernando Tatis Jr. will make recording the first three outs a chore for both sides. However, this could be an intriguing matchup on the mound. Toeing the slab for San Diego is former New York starter Michael King. The righty has been unhittable this season, posting a 2.09 ERA and 46 strikeouts over 38.2 innings of work. Over 37 starts since 2024, the ace has allowed just seven first inning earned runs (1.70 ERA).
For the home team, Clarke Schmidt will get the nod. The 29-year-old has had a difficult time adjusting this season following offseason rotator cuff tendinitis. Fortunately for New York, he did log five innings of one-run ball during his last outing vs. Toronto. Over the past two seasons, Schmidt has surrendered four first inning runs through 19.0 frames of work (1.89 ERA). Given the success of both arms early in games, this is a prime NRFI opportunity for bettors.
Phillies at Rays (-155)
Speaking of high-scoring offenses, the Phillies have made a habit of decimating opposing pitchers. That might not be the case on Tuesday against Drew Rasmussen, one of baseball’s more underrated starters. Through six appearances, the righty has posted a 2.84 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 30 strikeouts for Tampa Bay. Despite a couple of mediocre starts, the 29-year-old has been the ace for a Rays staff missing Shane McClanahan. Rasmussen should have early success against a Philadelphia team with the third-highest NRFI rate on the road (86.67%).
It’s even easier to make the case for the Rays starting out scoreless. Tampa Bay’s offense has been awful in the first, recording the third-highest NRFI rate in basketball (79.41%). It’s not as if the Phillies need much help with Zack Wheeler on the mound. It’s been another terrific season for the two-time All-Star (3.48 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 57 SO). He’s been automatic in the first inning, giving up only four earned runs since 2024 (0.92 ERA). Even with high odds, this is a wager worth targeting tonight.
Astros at Brewers (-125)
The Astros have gotten out to a decent start, logging a record of 17-17. However, it’s been Houston’s pitching that’s carried the team. On offense, a normally dominant lineup has been held to just 3.91 runs per game, 11th-fewest in baseball. That number has dropped down to 3.44 runs on the road. Big bats such as Jose Altuve (94 wRC+), Yordan Alvarez (80 wRC+), and Yanier Diaz (72 wRC+) have struggled. Unsurprisingly, the Astros have notched the league’s highest NRFI rate (85.29%). Brewers starter Chad Patrick has allowed just one first inning run over six starts this season (1.50 ERA).
Milwaukee hasn’t been much better to start games, logging baseball’s fourth-highest NRFI rate (77.78%). For the Astros, starter Hayden Wesneski has enjoyed a breakout campaign. Houston’s righty, owner of a 3.86 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any start this season. There’s no reason to expect anything different on Tuesday against a middling Brewers lineup.
