Saturday is here, which means a loaded slate of MLB games are on tap. All 30 teams are in action, which means the options are endless for bettors. A quick way to hit it big is an NRFI bet- all you need is one inning of scoreless ball. Still, that’s easier said than done. Some pitchers thrive early, while others tend to struggle. Which arms can you trust today?
Ahead of Saturday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Blue Jays vs. Royals NRFI (-115)
A 20-1 drubbing put a dent in Toronto’s plans to hoist an AL East title. The Blue Jays will attempt to bounce back tonight with Shane Bieber on the mound. Since joining the team in July, the right-hander has been a solid addition to this pitching staff. Through 29.0 innings of work, he’s notched a 3.72 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 30 strikeouts. In four of Bieber’s five starts, he’s allowed no more than three runs. Saturday’s matchup with Kansas City’s weak-hitting offense isn’t too difficult. The Royals are averaging 3.95 runs per game, the American League’s second-lowest mark.
For the home team, Noah Cameron will get the nod. It’s been a terrific campaign for the rookie, who has emerged as a reliable arm for KC. Over 22 starts, the southpaw owns a 2.98 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 103 strikeouts. During those appearances, the youngster has allowed four or more runs only five times. The Blue Jays wield one of the sport’s most dangerous offenses. However, Toronto is tied for baseball’s tenth-highest NRFI rate on the road (73.42%). That bodes well for Cameron’s chances at pitching a clean first.
Mariners vs. Astros NRFI (-130)
It was the Mariners who came out on top last night, winning 4-0. Houston will attempt to bounce back in the AL West race with one of their top hurlers. Framber Valdez hasn’t been perfect by any means this year. Regardless, the former All-Star remains a reliable pitcher for the Astros. Through 180.1 innings, he’s recorded a 3.59 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 173 strikeouts. In 12.0 innings vs. Seattle this season, Valdez has surrendered just one earned run (0.75 ERA).
In this star-studded matchup, the M’s will counter with an All-Star of their own. Injuries and inconsistency have held George Kirby back for most of 2025. Still, the 27-year-old remains one of the league’s most talented workhorses. The righty has allowed two runs or less in eight of his previous ten outings. In addition, Kirby’s career ERA vs. Houston, through 44.1 innings, sits at 2.44. It helps that the Astros have a 73.38% NRFI rate, eighth-worst in baseball.
Guardians vs. Twins Game 2 NRFI (-120)
The second leg of Saturday’s double-header at Target Field could be a boon for NRFI bettors. Cleveland will send out Logan Allen, making his 28th start of the season. The right-hander has been fine, albeit not great (4.36 ERA, 1.43 WHIP). Still, there’s something to be said about dull consistency. Allen has coughed up three runs or less in about 68% of his appearances. In addition, he’s logged a career 2.61 ERA over four meetings with the Twins.
It’ll be Bailey Ober on the bump for Minnesota. A brutal first half has put a dent in the veteran’s season-long numbers; his ERA currently sits at 5.12. However, the big righty has a knack for starting off strong. Ober’s first inning ERA is a respectable 3.24. Also worth mentioning: the Guardians are baseball’s third-lowest scoring offense, averaging 3.92 runs per game. Given how Cleveland’s lineup has struggled for most of the year, I’m expecting a scoreless first frame tonight.
