It’s yet another jam-packed weekend of Major League Baseball, with all 30 teams taking the diamond. That means plenty of opportunities for bettors to get in on the action. One of the quickest ways to win a wager is through an NRFI bet. No runs in the first inning sounds straightforward, but there’s more here than meets the eye. Figuring out which pitchers dominate early, and which struggle, is crucial. Who can you trust on Saturday?
Ahead of today’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Phillies vs. Marlins NRFI (-130)
The division-leading Phillies keep on rolling, even with star hurler Zack Wheeler out for the rest of the season. That’s due in large part to a deep, versatile starting rotation. Jesus Luzardo has been a welcome addition to this Philadelphia pitching staff in 2025. Through 155.2 innings of work, the southpaw has notched a 4.05 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 182 strikeouts. The 27-year-old has been solid in the first inning as well, holding opponents scoreless in 75% of his outings. In comparison, the Marlins are averaging the second-fewest runs per game at home (3.78).
Miami will hand the ball to Sandy Alcantara. A few weeks ago, that was a scary proposition for Fish fans. After all, the right-hander owns a subpar 5.66 ERA and 1.32 WHIP on the season. However, the former Cy Young winner has bounced back over the past month. In four appearances since August 15th, he’s recorded a 1.67 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 29 strikeouts. When Alcantara last faced the Phillies on June 16th, he tossed five innings of two-run ball. A similar performance is likelier than not on Saturday.
Brewers vs. Pirates NRFI (-135)
Break up the Pirates! The Buccos have won five of their last seven matchups, including series wins over the Red Sox and Dodgers. Granted, last night’s loss to Milwaukee was a speed bump, but not exactly a surprise. The Brewers, baseball’s best team, got a stellar performance from starter Quinn Priester. They’ll hope for another quality outing tonight from Brandon Woodruff. The veteran has hit a bit of a rough patch recently, allowing ten earned runs over his last two games. However, he’ll get to face Pittsburgh, baseball’s lowest scoring offense, tonight. When the 32-year-old last faced the Pirates on August 13th, he tossed four scoreless innings.
The home team will send Mitch Keller to the mound tonight. The righty has posted a 4.21 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 132 strikeouts through 28 starts this season. A date with the hard-hitting Brew Crew is never easy. Still, Pittsburgh’s ace is good enough to pitch a clean opening frame. The former All-Star has compiled a 3.21 first inning ERA in 2025. In addition, Milwaukee hitters have put up a 76.06% NRFI rate, third-highest in the league. Keeping that in mind, Keller should get out of the first unscathed.
Twins vs. Royals NRFI (-115)
If there’s any reason to watch the Twins, it’s Joe Ryan. The right-hander has enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, solidifying himself as one of the American League’s best pitchers. So far, he’s delivered career-best marks in ERA (3.08), WHIP (0.97) and HR/9 ratio (1.1). After a brief rough patch, the 29-year-old tossed seven scoreless innings against the Padres on Monday. Tonight’s matchup against the Royals might be even easier. Kansas City is averaging just 3.82 runs per game, third-lowest in baseball.
Speaking of the Padres, San Diego shipped Stephen Kolek to KC at the trade deadline. In his first outing with the Royals last Sunday, the righty allowed one run over six innings vs. Detroit. Tonight’s contest represents a step down in terms of competition. The Twins sold off several of their best hitters at the end of July. Since then, Minnesota has produced the league’s sixth-lowest batting average (.231) and ninth-lowest OPS (.700). Even an unproven arm such as Kolek is poised for success against this lackluster lineup.
