A clean, no run first inning sounds simple in theory. However, it’s easier said than done. Figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups don’t, makes all the difference. All 30 teams will take the diamond tonight. That means plenty of NRFI options for bettors tonight.
Ahead of Tuesday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Athletics vs. Twins NRFI (-125)
There isn’t much worth paying attention to on the last-place Athletics. However, the team appears to have found a diamond in the rough in Jacob Lopez. This season, the left-hander has notched a stellar 3.30 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 103 strikeouts. Over his last 19.2 innings pitched, the 27-year-old hasn’t allowed a single run. Lopez’s first inning ERA is at just 1.20. That success should continue tonight against a Twins lineup that has been depleted by trades.
Toeing the slab for Minnesota will be one of the American League’s top arms, Joe Ryan. The All-Star has enjoyed a career year, posting a 2.72 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 153 strikeouts. Unsurprisingly, his first inning ERA is currently at 2.35. At pitcher-friendly Target Field, Ryan should manage to keep this Athletics offense at bay.
Astros vs. Tigers NRFI (-175)
I’m not exactly eager to bet on an NRFI with such high odds. However, it’s difficult to ignore the firepower taking the hill tonight at Comerica Park. The visiting Astros will hand the ball to breakout hurler Hunter Brown. The first-time All-Star has carried Houston’s rotation all season (2.45 ERA, 1.00 WHIP). In addition, the right-hander has surrendered more than two runs in just five of his 24 starts.
On the other side, it’ll be none other than Tarik Skubal on the bump. The reigning American League Cy Young winner has been just as good in 2025. Through 152.1 innings of work, he’s recorded a 2.42 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 190 strikeouts. He’s been even better in the first inning (1.50 ERA). Skubal will face an Astros squad that’s accounted for the league’s sixth-highest NRFI rate (74.40%). Even at -175, this matchup is impossible to ignore.
Brewers vs. Cubs NRFI (-150)
Baseball’s best record belongs to none other than the Brewers. In a sport filled with quality pitching staffs, few can match MIlwaukee. That’s especially true when oft-injured ace Brandon Woodruff is healthy. In just seven starts this season, the former All-Star has delivered a 2.06 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 49 strikeouts. In theory, a date with Chicago’s loaded lineup could be difficult. However, the Cubs have scored a league-worst 44 total runs since August 1st.
For the home team, Jameson Taillion will take the mound. While he isn’t an ace, the veteran has offered much-needed consistency for Chicago’s rotation. Through 17 starts, he’s put up a 4.44 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 92 strikeouts. During that time, he’s accounted for a minuscule 1.06 first inning ERA. It helps that the Brewers own baseball’s highest NRFI rate (78.23%). Expect a clean start for both hurlers in this NL Central clash.
