Another day, another slate of MLB action. Less than two weeks are left in the regular season, making every pitch count for several clubs. That means getting off to a clean start is crucial for starting pitchers. Which arms can hold opponents to no runs in the first inning today?
Ahead of Tuesday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Padres vs. Mets NRFI (-115)
In terms of postseason stakes, Queens is the center of the baseball world tonight. For the Mets, every win counts as they attempt to stave off the Giants and Reds for a wildcard spot. It’ll be Clay Holmes on the bump, making his 30th start of the season. The former reliever has been a bright spot for this inconsistent rotation. During a career-high 151.0 innings pitched, he’s recorded a 3.75 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 122 strikeouts. Even more encouraging is Holmes’ stellar 2.79 first inning ERA. In comparison, San Diego’s hitters have notched a 74.0% NRFI rate, fifth-highest in baseball.
For the Friars, Michael King will get the nod on Tuesday. It’s been an injury-plagued 2025 campaign for the right-hander. However, when healthy, few arms in the National League are as dangerous. In 43 career appearances with the Padres, the 30-year-old owns a 2.93 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 rate. This season, he’s accounted for a minuscule 2.25 first inning ERA. There’s a good chance the veteran’ success continues tonight against a struggling Mets offense. New York has scored just 30 runs over its previous ten games.
Guardians vs. Tigers NRFI (-125)
In their quest for home-field advantage during the playoffs, Detroit will need to take care of business going forward. That includes tonight’s contest with the scrappy Guardians. On the hill for the Tigers will be Casey Mize. The right-hander hit a bit of a rough patch following the All-Star break. However, it appears he’s slowly returning to form. Over his last two outings, against the Mets and Yankees, the veteran has allowed just three earned runs. Mize will hope to keep the good times rolling against a light-hitting Cleveland offense. The Guards are averaging only 3.89 runs per game, second-lowest in the American League.
The visitors will have a talented arm of their own toeing the slab. Joey Cantillo has emerged from relative obscurity as a valued member of this rotation. In ten games as a starter, the 25-year-old has posted a 3.16 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 56 strikeouts. It helps that Tuesday’s opponent, Detroit, doesn’t exactly dominate on offense. This season, the Tigers are tied for the league’s seventh-highest NRFI rate (73.51%). Keeping that in mind, I’m willing to bet that Cantillo holds it together early tonight.
Phillies vs. Dodgers NRFI (-140)
In what could be a postseason preview, baseball fans will be treated to a marquee pitching matchup. The NL East-leading Phillies will send Cristopher Sanchez to the mound. Now that Zack Wheeler’s season is over, the left-hander slots in as Philadelphia’s likely Game 1 starter. That’s no consolation prize; the All-Star is one of the Senior Circuit’s best hurlers. Through 182.1 innings of work, the left-hander has produced a 2.57 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 192 strikeouts. In three career starts vs. the Dodgers, he’s delivered a respectable 3.57 ERA. To make things more enticing, Sanchez’s first inning ERA sits at just 1.86.
On the other side, it’ll be none other than Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar has hit a few roadblocks during his return to pitching. Regardless, he’s still one of the sport’s most talented arms. Over 12 appearances, the three-time MVP has generated a 3.75 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 49 strikeouts. His FIP (2.17) also suggests that better days are on the horizon. Granted, this is a lethal Philadelphia offense to contend with tonight. Still, even the Phillies are no match for Ohtani if he’s on his game.
