Mere weeks are left in the Major League Baseball season. That makes every game going forward crucial for teams still jockeying for playoff position. Granted, it’s not just the players sweating it out in September. For opportunistic bettors, NRFI bets offer the chance to cash in quick. With that being said, no runs in the first inning is no guarantee for most starting pitchers. Which arms can you trust on Wednesday’s 15-game slate?
Ahead of today’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Pirates vs. Orioles NRFI (-150)
Let’s start with the obvious: Paul Skenes is on the mound. The Pirates as a whole are a mess, but their ace remains dominant. Through 173.0 innings of work, the two-time All-Star owns a 1.98 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 195 strikeouts. In addition, he’s been nothing short of automatic at the start of games. Over 29 starts this season, Skenes has allowed a first inning run only once. In comparison, this Orioles offense owns baseball’s sixth-highest NRFI rate (73.61%).
Toeing the slab for Baltimore will be Tyler Wells, making just his second start of the season. It’s been a long road back for the righty, who underwent season-ending UCL surgery in 2024. Last week was a promising sign for the 31-year-old, who tossed five innings of two-run ball vs. the Padres. He’ll look to keep the momentum going against Pittsburgh, the league’s lowest-scoring offense. At spacious Camden Yards, expect the veteran to come out firing tonight.
Mets vs. Phillies NRFI (-130)
New York’s hopes at an NL East title are all but over following two straight losses to the Phillies. However, the Mets still need to fend off a surging Giants squad for a wildcard spot. Pitching has been an issue for this club throughout the second half. Fortunately, Clay Holmes has been a stabilizing force on the mound. Over 147.0 innings, the right-hander has notched a 3.61 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 117 strikeouts. In the first inning, he’s posted a sterling 2.25 ERA. Even against a solid Philadelphia lineup, the 32-year-old should escape the first unscathed.
For the home team, it’ll be Cristopher Sanchez on the bump. Without Zack Wheeler for the rest of the season, the left-hander is now Philadelphia’s staff ace. That’s not the worst compromise after losing a Cy Young contender. Through 28 outings, Sanchez has recorded a 2.60 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 186 strikeouts. It’s worth noting that the Mets have knocked around the All-Star in their two prior meetings this year. Regardless, New York has scored a meager 15 runs over its last six contests. Sanchez is more than capable of securing three early outs on Wednesday.
Reds vs. Padres NRFI (-125)
The Reds scrapped out a much-needed 4-2 win last night in San Diego. They’ll attempt to follow up that victory with their ace, Andrew Abbott, set to pitch tonight. This season, the southpaw has compiled a 2.88 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 130 strikeouts, earning his first career All-Star Game selection. Through 25 starts, the 26-year-old has allowed a first inning run only three times. To top it off, the Padres own the league’s 12th-lowest OPS against left-handed pitching (.685).
On the other side, it’ll be Nick Pivetta, making his 29th appearance of the season. It’s been a career year for the veteran, who should have earned a trip to the Midsummer Classic. Over 164.1 innings, he’s accounted for a 2.85 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 172 strikeouts. His first inning ERA is at a stellar 2.56. Cincinnati’s NRFI rate sits at 76.39%, the sixth-highest mark in baseball. San Diego’s underrated hurler appears poised for even more success tonight.
