15 games between 30 teams are on tap tonight across Major League Baseball. With so much talent taking the field, 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 Friday’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Cubs at Mets (-125)
The most anticipated matchup of the evening is a meeting between the division-leading Cubs and Mets at Citi Field. In this National League showdown, both sides will send quality arms to the mound. Chicago’s Jameson Taillon is a high-floor, low-ceiling type, capable of eating innings and delivering a solid performance. The veteran has been nearly unhittable to begin games; since 2024, he has a first inning ERA of 1.24.
For the Mets, Clay Holmes has a far less extensive track record compared to Taillon. The former Yankees closer, signed this offseason, is putting together his first campaign as a starter. So far, so good, as he’s posted a 2.95 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 39 strikeouts through 36.2 innings pitched. The biggest selling point for tonight’s game is that both lineups start slow. Chicago and New York are tied for the fourth-highest NRFI rate in baseball (76.32%). There’s a decent chance that trend continues on Friday night.
Marlins at White Sox (-135)
We go from a can’t-miss game to a must-miss. Marlins-White Sox is not for the faint of heart; these clubs own a combined record of 24-50. Still, that doesn’t mean the two squads are completely devoid of talent. In fact, Chicago’s pitching has been somewhat respectable, allowing the 17th-most runs per game (4.39). The same can’t be said for Miami, who rank last in that category with 6.17 runs surrendered.
As bad as the Marlins are on the mound, Max Meyer has been an exception. The 26-year-old is nothing short of electric, recording a 3.92 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 47 strikeouts through seven starts. Despite struggling over his last two appearances, the lefty is still capable of dissecting a subpar White Sox lineup. For the home team, Bryse Wilson will toe the slab. Despite pitching poorly this season (5.56 ERA), he should find a way to navigate Miami’s lineup. The Marlins have posted an NRFI rate of 75.0%, eighth-highest in baseball.
Reds at Astros (-145)
In a sport filled with standout arms, Hunter Brown has been on another planet this season. The 26-year-old has allowed more than two runs in only one of his seven appearances. During that time, he’s posted a minuscule ERA of 1.67 and a WHIP of 0.81. Right now, Houston’s ace is an early frontrunner for the American League Cy Young award. It’s difficult to imagine any offense, even a decent Reds lineup, doing much against the right-hander.
Cincinnati will counter Brown with Nick Martinez, a reliever-turned-starter that has found success. Last season, the veteran put together an under-the-radar 4.0 WAR campaign (3.10 ERA). Since then, he’s been terrific to kick things off, posting a 2.43 first inning ERA going back to 2024. The biggest factor in Martinez’s favor is his opposition. This year, the Astros have accounted for an NRFI rate of 86.11%, highest in all of baseball. Houston, now without Yordan Avarez (hand), has shown little ability to create early offense. Expect more of the same during tonight’s contest.
