The trade deadline is over, but the second half has just begun. 15 games are set to take place across Major League Baseball today, beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET. For those looking to get in on the action, consider 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 Saturday’s MLB slate, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Royals vs. Blue Jays NRFI (-120)
Polar opposites are set to take the mound in Toronto this afternoon. For the visiting Royals, it’ll be Noah Cameron toeing the slab. It’s been a terrific season from the rookie, who owns a 2.44 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 71 strikeouts. He’s also been unhittable in the first inning (1.93 ERA). In comparison, the Blue Jays own baseball’s sixth-highest NRFI rate (73.87%).
Toronto will hand the ball to grizzled veteran Max Scherzer. After dealing with injuries for most of the first half, it’ll be the future Hall of Famer’s eighth start of 2025. So far, the numbers have been lackluster at best for the right-hander (4.89 ERA, 1.09 WHIP). Still, it’s not as if this is a particularly challenging matchup. Kansas City is averaging 3.65 runs per game, the league’s second-lowest mark. Keeping that in mind, expect a solid showing from Mad Max.
Rangers vs. Mariners NRFI (-135)
It’s been a terrific start to the weekend for the Mariners, winners of two straight games. That’s been made possible thanks to stellar pitching from Seattle’s starters. The M’s will hope for more dominance on the mound when Luis Castillo takes the hill. The former All-Star is no longer in his prime, but he remains a terrific arm. Over 22 outings, the righty has notched a 3.19 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 111 strikeouts. In addition, he’s recorded a minuscule 0.82 first inning ERA.
For the visitors, it’ll be Merrill Kelly making his first ever start for the Rangers. It’s been a terrific year for the 36-year-old (3.22 ERA, 1.06 WHIP). However, a disappointing season for the Diamondbacks made it unsurprising when the righty was traded to Texas on Thursday. Despite their recent hitter acquisitions, the Mariners still struggle to hit at T-Mobile Park. When playing at home, Seattle owns the league’s second-highest NRFI rate (83.33%). Against a high-caliber arm, that’s unlikely to change on Saturday.
