The weekend is here, which means plenty of Major League Baseball action. Friday will treat fans to 15 games between all 30 teams, with several must-watch matchups. For those looking to place a wager, consider an NRFI bet. No runs in the first inning is more nuanced than it seems. Some pitchers dominate early, while others need time to get into a groove. Which arms can you trust tonight?
Ahead of Friday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Mets vs. Reds NRFI (-110)
Arguably the most important game of the evening, Mets-Reds pits two NL wildcard hopefuls against one another. With so much on the line, it’s no wonder that each team will send out a high-end arm. For New York, it’ll be David Peterson taking the mound. Through _ innings of work, the southpaw has notched a 3.61 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 136 strikeouts. He was rocked last week against the Marlins, coughing up eight runs in just two innings. Still, I have faith that the 29-year-old can pick up three quick outs. Peterson has allowed a first inning run in just four of his 26 outings this season.
For the home team, it’ll be Andrew Abbott on the bump. Much like his Mets counterpart, it’s been a breakout campaign for the left-hander. Over 139.0 innings pitched, he’s accounted for a 2.65 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 125 strikeouts. In addition, the All-Star has been absolutely automatic in this spot. Abbott has surrendered a first inning run in just two of his 24 appearances thus far. Even against a loaded New York lineup, I’m willing to bet that he starts off strong once again.
Twins vs. Royals NRFI (-125)
There isn’t much for Twins fans to get excited for these days. However, the team will be welcoming back one of their top hurlers tonight. Pablo Lopez has missed three months due to a shoulder injury. When healthy, the right-hander is one of the American League’s most reliable pitchers. Since joining Minnesota in 2023, he’s posted a 3.72 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 10.1 K/9 ratio. Returning after a long layoff is never easy, even for the sport’s better arms. However, this is an ideal matchup. The Royals are averaging just 3.84 runs per game, the third-lowest mark in baseball.
Kansas City will counter with a proven veteran in Michael Wacha. It’s been another solid, albeit unspectacular, season for the veteran in 2025. Over 153.1 innings, the 34-year-old owns a 3.52 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Given the amount of injuries in this Royals rotation, that level of consistency has been much-needed. Wacha has been unhittable in the first inning, producing a minuscule 1.33 ERA. He should have no trouble tonight against a Twins lineup that’s Byron Buxton and not much else.
Astros vs. Rangers NRFI (-130)
The Rangers are still clinging to their postseason hopes at 72-69. If they have any shot at a playoff berth, winning a series vs. the division-leading Astros would help. That won’t be so easy tonight with Hunter Brown toeing the slab. Houston’s ace has been dominant this season, delivering a 2.34 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 182 strikeouts. He enters this matchup having allowed two earned runs or less in each of his previous seven outings. Against a Texas lineup missing Corey Seager (appendicitis), Brown appears poised to continue that trend.
It’ll be Merrill Kelly taking the hill for the home team. Acquired in July at the trade deadline, it’s been a smooth transition for the longtime Diamondbacks starter. Through 35.1 innings with the Rangers, he owns a 3.31 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 28 strikeouts. The 36-year-old has coughed up more than three runs only once with his new team. Kelly will face an Astros lineup with an NRFI rate of 74.47%, fifth-highest in the league. Trust Texas’ newest ace to successfully navigate the first inning tonight.
