Eight games between 16 teams are set for Thursday. 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 two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Tigers at Orioles NRFI (-145)
Whenever Tarik Skubal is on the bump, there are few teams more dangerous than the Tigers. Granted, that’s true for Detroit regardless, as they currently own baseball’s best record (44-25). Still, it helps to have the reigning American League Cy Young winner toeing the slab. Skubal has notched a 2.16 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 105 strikeouts over 83.1 innings of work so far. Tonight, the southpaw will face an Orioles squad tied for the lowest batting average against left-handed pitching this season (.205). In addition, Baltimore has accounted for baseball’s tenth-highest NRFI rate (74.24%).
Skubal’s opponent will be middle of the road starter Dean Kremer. The right-hander doesn’t possess wipeout stuff, but he’s become a mainstay in Baltimore’s rotation. Over 13 appearances this year, he’s posted a mediocre 4.98 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. However, in 37 outings since 2024, the 29-year-old has recorded a 2.97 first inning ERA. With that in mind, the hurler has what it takes to keep this dangerous Tigers offense in check tonight.
UPDATE: The Orioles have announced that reliever Keegan Akin will serve as tonight’s ‘opener’ for the first inning. The right-hander owns a 2.89 ERA over 28.0 innings this season. Akin has allowed a run only once over his last ten outings. This pitching change does not lower my optimism for tonight’s NRFI bet in Baltimore.
Pirates at Cubs NRFI (-125)
Two NL Central teams heading in opposite directions will meet tonight at Wrigley Field. The division-leading Cubs will hand the ball to starter Jameson Taillon in this one. It’s been another quality season for the right-hander. Over 13 appearances, Jamo’s ERA currently sits at a solid 3.54, in addition to a sparking 0.98 WHIP. The veteran arm is especially good to start games, posting a 1.32 first inning ERA since 2024. That should help tonight against the Pirates, who have the league’s fifth-highest NRFI rate on the road (77.42%).
Pittsburgh will counter Taillon with an experienced pitcher of its own, Andrew Heaney. The _-year pro has been a bright spot so far for the Buccos. Through 72.1 innings this season, he’s put up a 3.24 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Granted, it’s difficult to trust the 34-year-old against a Cubs offense averaging the most runs per game in baseball (5.53). However, they do have the league’s 13th-highest NRFI rate (72.06%). It might be a bit of a sweat, but Heaney has shown he can slow down this elite Chicago lineup.
