A whopping 16 games are on tap for Tuesday across Major League Baseball. For those looking to get in on the action, few wagers are more enticing than a no run first inning bet (NRFI). Three outs from each pitcher are all you need to cash in- but that’s easier said than done. Figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups don’t, is key to cashing in.
Ahead of today’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rockies vs. Guardians NRFI (-120)
There are plenty of marquee matchups on tap for Tuesday; Rockies-Guardians is not one of them. Still, there’s profit to be made in this one. Taking the hill for the visitors will be Tanner Gordon, making his fifth start of the season. So far, so good for the right-hander (3.13 ERA, 1.30 WHIP). However, the bigger draw tonight is a light-hitting Guardians lineup. Cleveland has delivered an NRFI rate of 75.47%, the fourth-highest mark in baseball. Following six scoreless frames against the Cardinals last week, Gordon is capable of pitching a clean first inning tonight.
For the home team, it’ll be Logan Allen toeing the slab. The righty has been perfectly average once again in 2025. Through 101.2 innings of work, he’s posted a 4.16 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 6.9 K/9. Those numbers aren’t great by any means, but it’s enough to get the job done against an inferior opponent. The Rockies certainly fit the bill in that regard. Away from hitter-friendly Coors Field, Colorado is tied for the league’s highest NRFI rate (83.33%). That bodes well for Allen and the Guards heading into Tuesday night.
Braves vs. Royals NRFI (+100)
Grizzled veterans will take the hill tonight in Kansas City. It’ll be Seth Lugo for the Royals, fresh off of signing a contract extension signed this weekend. The former All-Star has been terrific in 2025, notching a 2.95 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 99 strikeouts through 19 starts. In the first inning, Lugo owns a sparkling 2.84 ERA. On paper, this star-studded Braves lineup could be difficult to navigate. However, Atlanta ranks just 22nd in runs per game this season (4.15).
It’s been a brutal season for Erick Fedde, recently released by the Cardinals last week. Over 101.2 innings in St. Louis, the 32-year-old delivered an atrocious 5.22 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. Still, a pitching-starved Braves team was willing to take a chance on the experienced righty. The former White Sox hurler has plenty of experience against the AL Central. In two career outings vs. Kansas City, Fedde owns a minuscule 0.84 ERA. It helps that the Royals own baseball’s ninth-highest NRFI rate at home (74.07%). Given how good Lugo has been, I’m willing to bet Fedde can keep things scoreless as well.
Rangers vs. Angels NRFI (-120)
Despite an inconsistent offense, the Rangers remain in the hunt for a playoff spot thanks to their elite pitching staff. One of the unsung standouts in this Texas rotation has been Patrick Corbin. The former All-Star looked washed following 13 years in Washington. However, this season has been a much different story for the 35-year-old. Through 104.2 innings of work, the southpaw has accounted for a 3.78 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 7.5 K/9. He’s been even better in the first inning (0.95 ERA). Against a middling Angels lineup, there’s a good chance Corbin delivers three quick outs.
Los Angeles will counter with their best arm, Yusei Kikuchi. The two-time All-Star has tossed 122.2 innings this season, recording a 3.23 ERA and 127 strikeouts. Granted, a sky-high 1.40 WHIP isn’t the greatest mark, but the Japanese hurler has still been effective. Texas’ offense has been much improved in recent weeks. However, since July 1st the Rangers have the league’s fourth-lowest batting average against southpaws. A date with left-handed Kikuchi doesn’t sound like a walk in the park.
