15 games between 30 teams are set for Saturday across Major League Baseball. 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.
Cardinals at Brewers NRFI (-125)
Saturday afternoon pits two NL Central rivals against one another in Milwaukee. For the visiting Cardinals, it’ll be Andre Pallante getting the start. It’s been an up-and-down season so far for the right-hander. After a solid month of April, the 26-year-old owns a 5.26 ERA since May 1st. However, he’s usually a good bet at the beginning of games. Over 33 outings since 2024, Pallante owns a first inning ERA of 3.55. To make things even more enticing, the Brewers have the highest home NRFI rate in all of baseball (88.89%).
For Milwaukee, Jose Quintana will make his ninth appearance of the season. It’s been another quality campaign for the veteran, who has established himself as one of baseball’s most dependable arms. Through 44.0 innings of work this year, the former All-Star has posted a 2.66 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. While some regression might be inevitable, the 36-year-old has already proven he has plenty left in the tank. So far, Quintana has only allowed two first inning runs (2.25 ERA). That bodes well against a Cardinals team he held to one run over five innings in April.
Guardians at Mariners NRFI (-150)
Following a 7-2 loss on Friday, the Guaridans will attempt to rebound tonight with one of their best arms. This season, right-hander Tanner Bibee has notched a 3.81 ERA and 1.20 WHIP through 75.2 innings. Those numbers, while not that impressive, are nothing to sneeze at. Normally, Bibee’s 4.99 road ERA would be cause for concern. However, he should find success tonight at T-Mobile Park, baseball’s most pitcher-friendly venue. Through 13 starts, the right-hander has surrendered just five first inning runs (3.46 ERA). His opponent tonight, the Mariners, have the sport’s second-highest home NRFI rate (79.41%).
To keep Cleveland’s offense in check, All-Star George Kirby will take the hill. Entering this season, hopes were high for the right-hander. Unfortunately, a mix of injuries and underperformance have led to some horrendous numbers thus far. Over four starts, Kirby owns a dismal 6.53 ERA. Granted, the ace has looked like his old self recently, allowing four total runs over his previous two outings. In addition, the Guardians have an NRFI rate of 76.47%, third-highest in baseball. Expect this proven talent to start off strong tonight against a subpar lineup.
