15 games between 30 teams are on tap for Tuesday 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 today’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
White Sox at Mets NRFI (-130)
Memorial Day was kind to the Mets, who eked out a 2-1 win via Francisco Lindor’s walk-off sacrifice fly. Despite the victory, New York’s offense has been in a rut recently. Since May 1st, the team has scored just 85 runs, tied for the seventh-fewest in baseball. That’s good news for the White Sox and their starter tonight, Jonathan Cannon. The right-hander is one of Chicago’s more reliable arms, recording a 3.76 ERA and 42 strikeouts over 55.0 innings of work. It helps that the Mets struggle hitting at the start of games, posting the league’s second-highest NRFI rate (77.8%).
For the home team, Tylor Megill will get the nod. It’s been an up-and-down campaign for the 29-year-old. After a strong first few weeks, he’s notched a mediocre 6.88 ERA during the month of May. However, he did notch an impressive 4.2-inning, one-run, ten-strikeout performance vs. Boston last week. In addition, the righty has allowed just two first-inning runs over ten appearances this season (1.80 ERA). Megill should have little difficulty against Chicago, the league’s fifth-lowest scoring offense.
Blue Jays at Rangers NRFI (-135)
On paper, the Blue Jays and Rangers have enough talent to contend in a weak American League. Unfortunately for both clubs, subpar hitting has been a constant issue in 2025. However, each side also boasts an impressive group of starting pitchers. Bowden Francis might not be a standout name for Toronto; the righty has pitched to an atrocious 5.54 ERA this season. However, this season he’s allowed two first inning runs over ten starts (1.80 ERA). Francis now faces a Texas lineup that’s posted an 82.14% NRFI rate at home, third-worst in baseball.
Things aren’t much better for Canada’s team; the Jays have a 76.0% NRFI rate away from home. That’s the league’s seventh-highest mark on the road. To make matters worse, they’ll have to go up against Cy Young candidate Nathan Eovaldi. The former All-Star is putting together a career year, allowing just 12 earned runs over 67.1 innings of work (1.60 ERA). Right now, it’s difficult to picture Toronto finding much early success vs. one of the American League’s top arms.
Athletics at Astros NRFI (-135)
To wrap things up, let’s head to the Lone Star State for an AL West showdown. After a surprisingly good start, the Athletics have lost 15 of their last 20 games. That’s been due in large part to the team’s hitting. Since May 6th, the A’s have scored the 11th-fewest runs in baseball (74). Things are unlikely to get much better tonight against one of baseball’s best starters, Hunter Brown. Houston’s hurler has emerged as a legitimate ace, putting up a 2.04 ERA over 61.2 innings this season. In six career starts vs. the A’s, Brown has accounted for a 2.83 ERA.
The biggest question tonight will be whether the visitors can keep things scoreless. Fortunately, the Astros have been doing a good job of that on their own. Houston owns an NRFI rate of 83.02%, the highest in all of baseball. It’s also worth noting the man on the mound, JP Sears. Through ten starts, the righty has yet to allow a first-inning run. Given how inconsistent these two lineups have been all season, it’s impossible not to consider an NRFI bet here.
