After a six-month regular season marathon, it all comes down to this. Four different wild card series are set to kick off on Tuesday, and the excitement is palpable.
To start the postseason, all eight clubs are sending out high-quality pitchers. That means bettors may have trouble finding value on NRFI wagers. Still, there’s also a higher chance we see lower-scoring affairs. Which arms have what it takes to keep things scoreless in the first?
Ahead of Tuesday’s MLB contests, here are two NRFI bets worth considering on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Padres vs. Cubs NRFI (-130)
Getting underway this afternoon is an intriguing battle between National League contenders. Chicago’s strength is offense, not pitching. Still, Matthew Boyd has been a pleasant surprise on the mound this season. Through 179.2 innings of work, the left-hander has notched a 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 154 strikeouts.
Granted, the veteran has looked shaky in recent weeks. In ten outings since August 1st, Boyd has delivered a 4.82 ERA. However, bettors don’t need a gem from the All-Star on Tuesday. In addition, his opponents tonight aren’t exactly world-beaters. Despite the big names in this Padres lineup, the team’s offense has been inconsistent. San Diego’s NRFI rate is at 72.84%, tied for the ninth-worst mark in baseball.
For the visitors, it’ll be Nick Pivetta on the bump. The right-hander is arguably the sport’s most underrated pitcher. His 2.87 ERA over 181.2 innings has been much-needed for an injury-plagued Padres rotation. In comparison, the Cubs have slumped at the plate in recent weeks. Over the past two months, Chicago is averaging 4.13 runs per game, eighth-worst in baseball during that time.
Pivetta has allowed a first-inning run in just eight of his 31 appearances in 2025. Even at the not-so friendly confines of Wrigley Field, the veteran is poised for another strong start.
Reds vs. Dodgers NRFI (-145)
In terms of ‘hype’, Reds-Dodgers probably has the least of any wild card series matchup. An 83-win underdog vs. the defending champs? Still, Los Angeles would be foolish to look past its opponents tonight. That’s due to the presence of Cincinnati hurler Hunter Greene. The right-hander, when healthy, is one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers. Through 107.2 innings this season, he’s accounted for a 2.76 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 11.0 K/9 ratio.
It won’t be easy for Greene, or any pitcher, to navigate this loaded Dodgers lineup. Regardless, the 26-year-old hurler has a stellar 84% NRFI rate. LA has scored a first-inning run only once over its last 14 matchups.
The Dodgers will need a strong outing from their own starter, Blake Snell. Much like Greene, the righty is terrific when he actually plays, which is never a guarantee. Over 11 appearances this season, he owns a 2.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 10.6 K/9 ratio. The two-time Cy Young winner also has produced a minuscule 1.64 first-inning ERA.
Cincinnati’s offense has struggled in this spot, recording the league’s third-highest NRFI rate on the road (78.05%). That alone is enough to give me confidence in Snell’s ability to secure three quick outs.
