On Wednesday’s loaded MLB slate, few prop bets are more exciting than an NRFI. Just six outs without a score are all it takes for bettors to cash in. However, figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups struggle, is key. 15 games between 30 teams are on tap today, making this the perfect time to place some NRFI wagers.
Ahead of tonight’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Blue Jays at Guardians NRFI (-120)
The biggest headline in tonight’s contest is the return of Max Scherzer, making just his second appearance of 2025. The future Hall of Famer was sidelined for nearly three months after suffering a right thumb injury in late March. It’ll be an important outing for Toronto’s starter against another American League playoff contender. Fortunately for the Blue Jays, Cleveland is scoring the sixth-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.79). In addition, the Guardians own the league’s second-highest NRFI rate (77.92%).
The bigger challenge for this wager will be the top half of the inning. Gavin Williams will attempt to slow down a Toronto lineup possessing several standout hitters. Still, it’s not as if this offense has been unstoppable. The Jays are scoring the fourth-fewest runs per game on the road this season (3.57). In addition, they have the sport’s tenth-highest NRFI rate at 73.08%. None of those numbers should scare Williams, Cleveland’s de-facto ace. A clean first inning should be expected from both starters tonight.
Rays at Royals NRFI (-120)
On Tuesday, I was all over the Rays and Royals notching an NRFI. Will lightning strike twice? There’s no reason to think otherwise. These two pitching powerhouses will once again send quality arms to the mound. For the visiting Rays, it’ll be potential All-Star Drew Rasmussen, making his 16th appearance of the season. The oft-injured righty is finally healthy, and stellar results have followed as a result. Over 79.1 innings, the 29-year-old owns a 2.61 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. He’s allowed just four first inning runs so far (2.40 ERA). That early game success should continue tonight against the Royals. Kansas City has the league’s seventh-highest NRFI rate at home (76.92%).
On the other side, Michael Wacha will get the nod. It’s been another under-the-radar campaign for the righty, owner of a pristine 3.24 ERA. The veteran has made a habit of starting out strong, tossing 15 scoreless first innings thus far. It’s been a far different story for this Rays offense, who usually need some time to get going. Tampa Bay’s NRFI rate on the road is 89.66%, by far the highest mark in baseball. There’s no reason to expect anything different on Wednesday against a stingy arm such as Wacha.
Marlins at Giants NRFI (-150)
As a nightcap, the woeful Marlins will face off with the Giants. This is a dream scenario for San Francisco’s ace, Logan Webb. The right-hander has earned his reputation as one of the National League’s best pitchers, proving it once again in 2025. Over 16 outings, the 28-year-old owns a sparkling 2.49 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. He’ll face a Miami squad that’s posted the fourth-highest NRFI mark in baseball (75.32%). There’s not much analysis needed here; good pitchers tend to dominate mediocre lineups.
The bigger hurdle on Wednesday will be the bottom half of the inning. It’ll be Edward Cabrera taking the mound for the Fish tonight, one of the sport’s most erratic starters. Despite solid statistics (3.81 ERA), the young fireballer has had frequent struggles with command throughout his five-year career. That makes him a difficult arm to trust, even against this middling Giants lineup. Regardless, San Francisco has put up the sport’s eighth-highest NRFI rate (73.42%). Keeping that in mind, I’m willing to trust Cabrera to navigate the first.
