15 games between 30 teams are set for Saturday. Plenty of squads are taking the field, giving bettors 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, you 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.
Astros at Guardians NRFI (-140)
Houston has won four of its last five games, thanks in large part to its pitching staff. During that stretch, the Astros have allowed a total of only seven runs to opponents. They’ll look to continue that trend on Saturday with Hunter Brown. It’s been a Cy Young-caliber season for the right-hander, already making a name for himself as an ace. Through 12 starts, he’s posted a 1.83 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 84 strikeouts. Most recently, the 26-year-old tossed six innings of one-hit ball against a red-hot Rays lineup. It helps that tonight’s opponent, the Guardians, have recorded baseball’s fifth-highest NRFI rate (75.81%).
Cleveland starter Gavin Williams has been solid so far, pitching to a 3.79 ERA over 12 outings. However, he’s on the hook for a 5.28 first inning ERA since 2024. Most clubs would be equipped to take advantage of those early-game struggles. That doesn’t apply to the Astros, who have put up a league-high NRFI rate of 82.54%. Williams, while inconsistent, is still capable enough to keep Houston’s inconsistent lineup at bay on Saturday.
Royals at White Sox NRFI (-125)
On the mound, the Royals are loaded with quality pitching depth. That includes Michael Wacha, one of the league’s most underrated arms. This season, the veteran has notched a 2.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 68.2 innings of work. Tonight, the right-hander will get to face off with a White Sox lineup only averaging 3.50 runs per game, fifth-lowest in baseball. Over ten career meetings with Chicago, Wacha has an ERA of 2.83. In addition, he’s held opponents to a 1.41 first inning ERA over 41 appearances since 2024.
The Royals aren’t the only team with a promising hurler set to start tonight; Adrian Houser has been a revelation for the White Sox. Over three starts this season, the right-hander has allowed just three earned runs (1.47 ERA). Granted, it’s not realistic to expect that level of production over the course of a whole season. Still, the 32-year-old has a golden opportunity tonight against a KC offense scoring the fourth-fewest runs in baseball (218). It’s difficult to see either Houser or Wacha struggling much against two of the league’s worst lineups.
Padres at Brewers NRFI (-110)
A tight 2-0 contest saw the Padres emerge as victorious over the Brewers on Friday. It could be more of the same for these two National League contenders tonight. The visiting Friars will hand the ball to Stephen Kolek, making his seventh start of the year. So far, the 28-year-old has impressed, logging a respectable 3.47 ERA to go with a 1.24 WHIP. He’ll get to face a Milwaukee lineup that’s accounted for a 86.21% NRFI rate at home, the highest mark in baseball.
For the home team, it’ll be veteran Jose Quintana toeing the slab. Through seven outings, the 36-year-old owns a 2.77 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Tonight, he’ll face a Padres offense that has struggled at the plate since the start of May. During his previous three games against San Diego, the former All-Star has notched a minuscule 1.53 ERA. Over 38 appearances since 2024, Quintana’s first inning ERA is a stellar 3.08. Right now, it doesn’t look like either offense is equipped to score early against these pitchers.
