All 30 MLB teams are in action on Wednesday. It’s non-stop hardball, with games starting at 1:00 p.m. ET and going until 10:05 p.m. ET. That means plenty of wagers for bettors to consider, including NRFIs (no runs in the first inning). Let’s break down which arms are poised for three quick outs before today’s action gets started.
Ahead of Wednesday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Diamondbacks vs. Brewers NRFI (-115)
Since their July fire sale, the Diamondbacks have slumped towards the bottom of the National League. That’s due mainly to Arizona’s lackluster pitching staff. One of the few arms that has impressed for the Snakes is Ryne Nelson. The right-hander has enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, notching a 3.63 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 105 strikeouts. Tonight, he’ll take on a dangerous Brewers lineup. However, Milwaukee’s NRFI rate at home is a league-high 85.07%.
On the other side, it’ll be Quinn Priester toeing the slab. Much like Nelson, it’s been a career year for the hurler. Through 128.1 innings of work, the 24-year-old owns a 3.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 104 strikeouts. He’ll have to navigate an Arizona lineup that’s delivered a league-low 63.16% NRFI rate. However, that’s due in large part to playing at Chase Field. Whenever the Diamondbacks are on the road, they’ve delivered a less intimidating 71.64% NRFI rate. Keeping that in mind, Priester has what it takes to get out of the first unscathed.
Reds vs. Dodgers NRFI (-130)
One of the more important games on tonight’s slate, the visiting Reds need a win badly. Fortunately for Cincinnati, it’ll be staff ace Nick Lodolo on the bump. The All-Star has been dominant, posting a 3.05 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 124 strikeouts over 23 starts. He’ll have quite the challenge ahead of him tonight against the Dodgers. However, he’s had recent success in this spot. When these two clubs met on July 29th, Lodolo held Los Angeles scoreless in the first en route to a 5.1-inning, two-run performance.
The defending champions will give the nod to Shohei Ohtani. It’ll the the two-way superstar’s 11th start of the season. So far, it’s been a mixed bag for the Japanese phenom, owner of a 4.61 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 11.5 K/9 rate. Still, most of the right-hander’s troubles have come later in games. During the first inning, he’s notched an impressive 2.70 ERA. His opponent tonight, the Reds, have baseball’s third-highest NRFI rate on the road (78.26%). Ohtani should be able to pick up three quick outs on Wednesday.
BONUS: Tigers vs. Athletics NRFI (+120)
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend betting on this NRFI. However, this is probably the best value play available tonight. Let’s address the danger here first. This contest is being held at Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park. Per Savant, it’s the second-most hitter-friendly venue in baseball this season. Unsurprisingly, the Athletics possess one of the league’s worst pitching staffs. One of the few arms that’s impressed in this rotation has been Luis Morales. The rookie has only thrown 15.2 innings this year, but he’s surrendered just three earned runs (1.72 ERA). In his three starts, the right-hander has yet to give up a first inning run. Detroit’s lineup, while dangerous, has accounted for baseball’s eighth-highest NRFI rate (73.13%).
It’ll be Casey Mize for the Tigers, making his 23rd start of the season. It’s been a stellar campaign for the righty, who earned his first career All-Star Game selection. Through 117.1 innings, he’s recorded a 3.68 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 103 strikeouts. In addition, he’s been automatic in the first inning (1.64 ERA). At plus money, this NRFI play has plenty of appeal to those looking to hit it big. There’s no guarantees here, but the betting public might be sleeping on this matchup tonight.
