We’re less than 48 hours away from the end of the 2025 MLB regular season. Still, there’s plenty left unsettled across the league. With postseason hopes hanging in the balance, most of today’s 15-game slate has some significance. That means several standout starting pitchers will be taking the mound. Which arms can NRFI bettors trust to toss a clean first inning?
Ahead of Saturday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth considering on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rockies vs. Giants NRFI (-125)
You can count on your hands the number of times Colorado has earned a spot on this list. After all, the Rockies are only good at giving up runs, not scoring them. Still, if anyone on this last-place club can get three quick outs, it’s Kyle Freeland. The unofficial team ‘ace’ has posted a 5.00 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 120 strikeouts this season. However, he’s been much better on the road (4.36 ERA). In addition, the veteran will be facing a mediocre Giants offense. Over his previous eight outings in San Francisco, Freeland has recorded a 3.53 ERA.
On the other side, it’ll be future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. The 42-year-old is in the twilight of his career. Still, he’s more than capable of delivering a quality start. Through 146.0 innings of work, JV has posted a 3.88 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 130 strikeouts. Even more impressive is the former MVP’s minuscule 1.29 first inning ERA. That should play well against a Rockies club averaging a league-worst 2.85 runs per game on the road. When he last faced Colorado on May 1st, in Denver, Verlander tossed 6.1 innings of two-run ball.
Mets vs. Marlins NRFI (-110)
A disappointing 6-2 loss on Friday has put New York’s season on life support. If the Mets are going to avoid a humiliating collapse, they’ll need a solid performance from Clay Holmes. The reliever-turned-starter has been solid in an otherwise inconsistent rotation. Over 159.2 innings, the right-hander owns a 3.66 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 127 strikeouts. In addition, he’s been terrific in the first inning (2.70 ERA). Tonight’s opponent, the Marlins, are averaging baseball’s sixth-fewest runs per game at home (3.96).
For the Fish, Eury Perez will make his final start of the season. The talented righty has been good, not great, for the Marlins this season. That’s due in part to some drastic home/away splits. When pitching at Loan Depot Park, the Dominican has accounted for a phenomenal 2.63 ERA. In comparison, New York has the league’s ninth-highest NRFI rate on the road (73.75%). Miami’s young hurler has what it takes to deliver a clean first inning.
Dodgers vs. Mariners NRFI (-125)
In a potential World Series preview, Tyler Glasnow will toe the slab for the Dodgers. When healthy, the right-hander remains one of baseball’s most talented starters. During 87.1 innings in 2025, the All-Star has notched a 3.30 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 103 strikeouts. Saturday’s contest won’t be easy against a loaded Mariners offense. However, T-Mobile Park is the perfect venue for opposing pitchers. Seattle has a 77.22% NRFI rate at home, second-highest in the American League.
The home team will counter with an All-Star of their own, Logan Gilbert. Despite being hampered by injuries, the 28-year-old is still a force on the mound. Over 24 appearances, he’s recorded a 3.43 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 168 strikeouts (12.0 K/9). The Dodgers are one of baseball’s most formidable offensive units. However, Los Angeles has scored a first inning run only once over its last 12 matchups. There’s a good chance Seattle’s ace holds LA scoreless to start tonight’s game.
