On Saturday’s loaded 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 are on tap, making this the perfect time to place a few NRFI wagers.
Ahead of today’s MLB action, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Tigers vs. Guardians NRFI (-115)
Almost everything has gone wrong recently for the Guardians, who now find themselves six games below .500. Friday’s 2-1 loss vs. the Tigers was yet another brutal blow for last season’s AL Central champs. To get back on track, Cleveland will hand the ball to third-year pro Logan Allen. The right-hander might be the most average arm in all of baseball. Since 2023, he’s notched a 4.55 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. However, the 26-year-old has posted an impressive 3.60 first inning ERA.
On the other side, it’ll be Casey Mize taking the hill. This season, the 28-year-old has posted a 2.86 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 69 strikeouts over 78.2 innings of work. In addition, Mize has allowed less than two runs in 12 of his 14 starts this season. That includes a five-inning, one-run showing against the Guardians in May. Cleveland is averaging 3.60 runs per game, the league’s fifth-lowest mark. In addition, the team owns baseball’s highest NRFI rate (77.91%). That’s a recipe for three quick outs tonight.
Rangers vs. Padres NRFI (-115)
The Rangers and Padres depend on quality starting pitching; both clubs rank inside the top ten in fewest runs allowed. However, neither of Saturday’s starters are household names. Texas hurler Patrick Corbin is far removed from his All-Star prime. However, the veteran has bounced back following a disastrous end to his tenure with the Nationals. Through 82.1 innings, the southpaw has put up a 4.26 ERA. In addition, he’s surrendered just two first inning runs this season (1.20 ERA). San Diego has only scored 30 runs over its last ten games, fourth-fewest in baseball during that time.
It’ll be Stephen Kolek on the mound for the Friars. The second-year pro has put together a career-best 3.73 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. During the righty’s most recent outing, he tossed 5.2 innings of one-run ball against the Reds. Saturday’s task should be much easier. The Rangers have been a mess on offense, averaging the league’s sixth-fewest runs per game (3.77). Unsurprisingly, Texas also owns a minuscule 76.14% NRFI percentage, third-worst in baseball. Given how these two offenses have looked all year, an early offensive outburst appears unlikely.
