15 games between 30 teams are set for Tuesday. 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.
Braves at Brewers NRFI (-125)
It’s been a nightmare season for the Braves, currently nine games below .500. One of Atlanta’s lone bright spots has been starter Grant Holmes. Through 13 appearances, the right-hander has notched a 3.99 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He’s been a strong starter as well, holding opponents to just six first inning runs (2.84 ERA). On Tuesday, the 29-year-old will face a Brewers lineup that owns the league’s fourth-highest NRFI rate (76.12%).
Milwaukee will hope to keep the Braves in check with Quinn Priester. It’s been a breakout campaign for the 24-year-old, traded to the Brewers from the Red Sox in April. Over 11 outings, the third-year pro has logged a 3.88 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. This season, the Braves have accounted for the league’s tenth-lowest slugging percentage against righties. That should be enough for Priester to put together a clean first inning tonight.
Rangers at Twins NRFI (-120)
The Rangers find themselves near the bottom of the American League, but that’s almost entirely due to their offense. Texas has benefitted from spectacular pitching all season, including from starter Tyler Mahle. The oft-injured righty, now healthy, is in the midst of a career year. Over 71.1 innings of work, the veteran has recorded a 2.02 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 53 strikeouts. In the first inning, Mahle has allowed just five earned runs (2.81 ERA).
Minnesota hasn’t announced an official starter yet, but it will likely be Simeon Woods Richardson. The right-hander got off to a rough start this season, compiling a 5.02 ERA through eight outings. After being sent down to Triple-A St. Paul, the 24-year-old was recalled this morning by the Twins. While SWR’s numbers aren’t great, the same can be said for his opponents tonight. This season, the Rangers are scoring just 3.36 runs per game, the third-lowest mark in baseball. To make matters worse, Texas has posted the league’s sixth-highest NRFI rate (75.76%). Don’t expect an early outburst from either squad on Tuesday night.
White Sox at Astros NRFI (-135)
It’s been another season to forget for the White Sox, albeit not as bad as the disastrous 2024 campaign. That’s due in large part to a pitching staff that has taken modest steps towards respectability. If anyone can claim the title of staff ace in Chicago, it’s Shane Smith. The rookie has been a revelation this season, accounting for a 2.45 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 60 strikeouts through 62.1 innings. Over 12 appearances, the 25-year-old has surrendered just four earned runs (3.00 ERA). There’s a decent chance Smith’s success continues tonight in Houston. Currently, the Astros own baseball’s highest NRFI rate (83.08%).
For the home team, it’ll be Lance McCullers Jr. on the bump. It’s been an up-and down season for the 30-year-old, pitching for the first time since 2022. Over six starts, LMJ owns a 4.44 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. However, the former All-Star has allowed only three runs during his last 12.0 innings pitched. In addition, McCullers Jr. has a 1.98 ERA over seven career matchups vs. Chicago. Houston’s veteran is worth backing against one of the sport’s worst lineups.
