On Wednesday’s jam-packed 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. A whopping 18 games are on tap today, making this the perfect time to place some NRFI wagers.
Ahead of tonight’s MLB action, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Astros at Rockies NRFI (-105)
I know what you’re thinking. A scoreless first…at Coors Field?!? It’s no secret that Colorado is where NRFI bets go to die. But sometimes, the odds are simply too good to ignore. Let’s start with the good: Hunter Brown. Houston’s ace is already one of the American League’s best arms. Over 98.0 innings of work, the right-hander has notched a 1.74 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 118 strikeouts. In contrast, the Rockies are averaging just 3.53 runs per game, fourth-worst in baseball.
The more difficult leg of this bet will come during the top half of the inning, when the Astros are batting. Tonight, Colorado is sending Austin Gomber to the mound. Through 14.2 innings pitched, the right-hander owns a miserable 6.14 ERA. However, he’s fresh off of a five-inning, one-run performance at home against the Dodgers last week. The Astros have several dangerous hitters, but they struggles to score early. This season, Houston has posted an 80.0% NRFI rate, the league’s highest mark. At nearly even money, this is a risk worth taking.
Royals at Mariners NRFI (-150)
After that last pick, let’s go with a safer play to wrap things up. The Royals have regressed mightily at the plate this season, squandering one of the sport’s top pitching staffs. This season, KC is scoring only 3.31 runs per game, the worst mark in all of baseball. Things will only get more difficult against Wednesday’s starter, Logan Gilbert. Seattle’s ace has been hampered by injuries, but has looked terrific when healthy. Over nine outings, the former All-Star has accounted for a 3.55 ERA, 0.92 WHIp and 67 strikeouts. Just three Kansas City hitters have an above-average wRC+ of 100 or greater; this lineup doesn’t pose much of a threat.
On the other side, rookie sensation Noah Cameron will toe the slab for the visitors. Through 51.2 frames, the southpaw has recorded a sparking 2.79 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. Wednesday’s opponent, the Mariners, have baseball’s 12th-highest scoring offense. However, they only rank 21st in that category when playing at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park. Cal Raleigh and company aren’t a walk in the park, but I like Cameron’s chances of pitching a clean first inning tonight.
