16 games are on tap today across Major League Baseball. That leaves plenty of options for bettors 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 Saturday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Royals vs. Twins NRFI (-120)
Making just his second start since coming off the injured list, it’s difficult to trust Bailey Ober. Minnesota’s starting pitcher tonight has had a rough year thus far (5.38 ERA, 1.41 WHIP). Still, there’s a solid track record here; the 29-year-old has notched an ERA under 4.00 in each of his previous three seasons. It helps that the Twins hurler will get to face a miserable Royals offense. Kansas City is averaging an American League-worst 3.70 runs per game.
On the other side, it’ll be Noah Cameron toeing the slab. It’s been a phenomenal campaign for the rookie, who has made 15 starts. During that time, he’s recorded a 2.68 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 72 strikeouts. Minnesota dealt away some of its best hitters, including Willi Castro, Harrison Bader, and Carlos Correa. In addition, star outfielder Byron Buxton (rib) is currently sidelined. That leaves the Twins with a rag-tag lineup filled with career backups and unproven youngsters. Cameron should have little trouble picking up three quick outs.
Phillies vs. Rangers NRFI (-155)
Welcome back, Jacob deGrom. The two-time Cy Young winner had become something of a forgotten man in Texas. Injuries had limited the 37-year-old to just 41.0 total innings over the past two seasons. Fortunately for the Rangers, their ace is back and hasn’t missed a step. Over 128.2 innings of work, the All-Star has posted a 2.80 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 135 strikeouts. Tonight’s opponent, the Phillies, are certainly no pushovers at the plate. Still, deGrom owns a stellar 3.27 first inning ERA in 2025.
Philadelphia will send out Jesus Luzardo, who has had an up-and-down season. Despite a blistering start in April and May, the southpaw’s statistics have regressed over the past few months. Still, a 4.32 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 147 strikeouts aren’t awful numbers. In addition, Luzardo owns a respectable 3.91 first inning ERA. He’ll get to face a Rangers offense that’s accounted for baseball’s sixth-highest NRFI rate (73.50%).
Red Sox vs. Padres NRFI (-130)
Typically, the Red Sox are an NRFI stay-away. After all, the team is averaging the league’s fourth-most runs per game (5.02). However, that doesn’t factor in the return of Michael King. San Diego’s ace has missed over two months due to injury. When healthy, the right-hander notched a 2.59 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 64 strikeouts over 55.2 innings of work. Over ten starts, the 30-year-old has allowed only one first inning run (0.90 ERA). Away from home, Boston has put up a mediocre 73.21% NRFI rate.
For the visitors, Lucas Giolito will get the nod on Saturday. Finally healthy, the righty has recorded a 3.57 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 81 strikeouts over 95.2 innings. Over his last two starts, the former All-Star has allowed just two earned runs (1.29 ERA). His opponent tonight, the Padres, are averaging the seventh-fewest runs per game in baseball (4.12). In addition, the Friars are tied for the sport’s seventh-highest NRFI rate (73.28%). That could spell trouble for San Diego’s offense going into tonight’s inter-league matchup.
