The second half of the MLB season is underway, with 15 games set for Saturday. That makes this the perfect time to place a few NRFI wagers. 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.
Ahead of today’s MLB action, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks NRFI (-125)
The Diamondbacks will be without their best player on Saturday, as Ketel Marte has been placed on the restricted list. While Arizona remains one of baseball’s best offenses, it’s a shell of itself without the second baseman and fellow All-Star Corbin Carroll. Facing the Snakes tonight will be Cardinals ace Sonny Gray. The 35-year-old isn’t a household name, but he’s still one of the National League’s better arms. Through 108.0 innings of work, the righty has notched a 3.50 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 118 strikeouts.
The bigger challenge for tonight’s bet will be the top half of the first. Ryne Nelson will take the hill for Arizona, making his 20th appearance of the season. On an otherwise mediocre pitching staff, the 27-year-old has been a stabilizing force (3.68 ERA). In addition, the right-hander has allowed two runs or fewer in four of his previous five outings. Since June 20th, the Cardinals are only scoring 4.09 runs per game. That’s the tenth-lowest number during that time span. Keeping that in mind, Nelson should be capable of recording three quick outs.
Brewers vs. Dodgers NRFI (-115)
In a tightly contested National League playoff race, the Brewers have emerged as a true contender. Milwaukee’s biggest strength is its rotation, led by ace Freddy Peralta. It’s been a terrific 2025 campaign for the two-time All-Star, headlined by career-best 2.66 ERA. The Dominican has been phenomenal in the first inning, holding opponents to a minuscule 2.25 ERA. Granted, the Dodgers possess one of the league’s most lethal offenses. However, Los Angeles has scored the 11th-fewest runs in baseball since July 1st (104).
Toeing the slab for LA will be Emmet Sheehan, pitching for the fourth time this season. So far, so good for the 25-year-old (2.03 ERA, 1.05 WHIP). Saturday’s meeting with the Brewers, one of the NL’s best lineups, will be a true test. Still, this group usually takes some time to do damage. Milwaukee owns an NRFI rate of 77.32%, the highest mark in all of baseball. For what it’s worth, Sheehan has yet to allow a first inning run. To make things more enticing, the Brewers have posted the league’s tenth-lowest OPS against right-handers (.707). Although Milwaukee is nothing to sneeze at, I’m willing to bet that Sheehan keeps things scoreless.
