It’s a loaded 15-game Tuesday across Major League Baseball. With 30 different starters taking the mound, there’s plenty of pitching props available to bettors. That includes NRFI bets (no runs in the first inning). It sounds simple in theory: a clean first inning is all it takes to cash in. Still, not every arm has a tendency to start out strong. Which pitchers can you trust tonight?
Ahead of Tuesday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rays vs. Guardians NRFI (-125)
Typically, the Rays are a dangerous NRFI bet. Steinbreenner Field, Tampa Bay’s temporary home, is a hitter’s paradise. However, this team is a group to target when playing on the road. Shane Baz is living proof of that. The right-hander’s season-long numbers are poor (5.22 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). Still, he owns a solid 3.52 ERA over 12 appearances on the road. Tonight, he’ll take on a Guardians offense scoring the fourth-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.85).
Taking the mound for Cleveland will be Parker Messick. The rookie will be making just his second career big league start, following last week’s 6.2-inning, one-run debut. It’s not the biggest sample size, but a stellar outing (against a solid Diamondbacks offense) isn’t something to ignore. Tampa Bay’s hitters are the opposite of their pitchers, playing much worse away from home. The Rays possess the league’s third-highest NRFI rate (78.13%) on the road.
Braves vs. Marlins NRFI (-125)
In what’s become a lost season for the Braves, there are a few bright spots on their roster. That includes Hursdton Waldrep, making his fourth start of the season. Through 24.2 innings of work, the 23-year-old has notched a 0.73 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 24 strikeouts. In addition, he has yet to surrender a first inning run. Waldrep’s opponent tonight, Miami, is averaging just 3.86 runs per game when playing at Loan Depot Park. That’s the fourth-worst mark at home in all of baseball.
Toeing the slab for the Marlins will be none other than Sandy Alcantara. The right-hander remains the de facto ace of the Marlins, even if his numbers don’t back it up. Over 25 appearances, the Dominican has posted a 6.04 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 106 strikeouts. However, the former Cy Young winner has allowed only two total runs over his last two outings. In addition, he’s tossed a clean first inning in each of his last seven games. Against an inconsistent Atlanta lineup, I’ll back Alcantara on Wednesday night.
Cubs vs. Giants NRFI (-150)
In spite of numerous injuries, the Cubs have gotten solid production out of their starting rotation. That’s due in large part to Matthew Boyd. Signed last offseason, the lefty has enjoyed a career year in the Windy City. Over 148.0 frames, the first-time All-Star has recorded a 2.61 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 129 strikeouts. In addition, he’s held opponents scoreless during the first inning in 20 of his 25 games. There’s a good chance that trend continues tonight against a light-hitting Giants lineup.
On the other side, it’ll be Justin Verlander taking the hill. It’s been a difficult 2025 campaign for the veteran, nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career. Through 110.2 innings pitched, he’s accounted for a 4.64 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and just 99 strikeouts. Regardless, most of JV’s trouble comes later in games. During the first inning, he’s nothing short of automatic (1.64 ERA). Even against a loaded Cubs lineup, I’m willing to bet Verlander starts scoreless tonight at pitcher-friendly Oracle Park.
