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. 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.
Rays vs. Tigers NRFI (-130)
In this battle between American League playoff hopefuls, Detroit will send out a potential x-factor in Reese Olson. The Tigers have been the class of the Junior Circuit all season, and for good reason. Few clubs in the majors can claim to have elite pitching, hitting, and fielding. With that being said, the team’s depth behind Tarik Skubal in the starting rotation is somewhat lacking. When healthy, Olson is a difference-maker (2.89 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). After returning from the injured list last week, the righty should have less difficulty getting off to a good start tonight. In 32 appearances since 2024, the 25-year-old owns a 0.84 first inning ERA.
It helps that the Rays possess baseball’s highest NRFI rate on the road this season (87.18%). Tampa Bay will attempt to silence the Tigers with a stellar arm of its own, Zack Littell. The veteran has notched a 3.50 ERA and a minuscule 1.07 WHIP through 110.2 innings of work. In addition, his first inning ERA over 18 starts is just 2.50. Detroit has a decent, albeit not great, .249 batting average against right-handed pitchers. Even against a capable lineup, I’m willing to trust Littell on Tuesday night.
Pirates vs. Royals NRFI (-125)
Baseball’s two lowest-scoring offenses are meeting tonight in Kansas City. Somehow, this game only has the fifth-lowest odds at an NRFI on Wednesday’s slate. That’s even more surprising with Kris Bubic toeing the slab. Through 103.0 innings, the southpaw has recorded a 2.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 107 strikeouts. Unsurprisingly, the All-Star has been automatic at the start of games (2.65 first inning ERA). The Pirates have been the exact opposite, delivering the league’s sixth-highest NRFI rate (74.19%).
The bigger question for this bet will be Pittsburgh’s starter, Bailey Falter. While he’s not on par with Bubic, the 28-year-old is a solid arm as well. Over 18 outings, the righty has posted a 3.69 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. The fifth-year pro has been consistent as well, allowing more than three runs on only three occasions this season. Against a Royals offense averaging 3.41 runs per game, opposing hurlers don’t need to be at their best. Falter is a solid bet to earn three quick outs tonight.
