15 games between 30 teams are set for Wednesday 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 two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Reds at Braves (-140)
Despite his blazing triple-digit fastball, Reds starter Hunter Greene has flown somewhat under the radar. After battling control issues at the start of his career, the All-Star hurler has turned things around. Since 2024, he’s recorded a 2.70 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and a phenomenal 10.45 K/9 ratio. During three lifetime starts vs. the Braves, Greene has allowed a combined six earned runs (3.00 ERA). The fireballer has started games strong, recording a 2.57 first inning ERA this season.
On the other side, Atlanta will hand the ball to Grant Holmes. Despite a few speed bumps, it’s been a decent first campaign as a starter. The 29-year-old has recorded a 4.24 ERA, but he’s allowed more than three runs in just two outings. Going back to last season, the right-hander has surrendered four first inning runs over 13 starts (2.77 ERA). Given how good both arms are at the beginning of games, this is Wednesday’s most promising NRFI play.
White Sox at Royals (-120)
Two of the worst lineups in baseball are set to meet tonight when the Royals host the White Sox. This season, both clubs rank inside the bottom five in runs scored per game. However, unlike Chicago, Kansas City boasts one of the American League’s top pitching staffs. Tonight, veteran Michael Wacha will get the nod for the home team. The 33-year-old has continued to pitch well, posting a 3.52 ERA and 29 strikeouts over seven starts. The righty is one of the game’s top openers, notching a 1.75 first inning ERA since 2024.
The White Sox will counter with one of their better starters, which doesn’t mean much. To be fair, Jonathan Cannon isn’t a scrub; he owns a respectable 4.26 ERA over 38.0 innings this season. The second-year pro has dominated the Royals before, holding them to one run over seven innings last July. It helps that KC has a mediocre NRFI rate of 73.68% at home, 12th-lowest in baseball. On paper, neither of these offenses have enough firepower to scratch across a run tonight.
