The postseason is in full swing, with four different clubs on the verge of elimination. Ahead of this pressure-packed day of baseball, which teams (and which pitchers) will step up? For bettors, talent on the mound means plenty of options for NRFI bets. However, getting three first inning outs isn’t so simple. Some arms struggle early, while others dominate from the jump.
Ahead of Wednesday’s MLB contests, here are two NRFI bets worth considering on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Padres vs. Cubs NRFI (-170)
A 3-1 victory has given Chicago the upper hand in this best-of-three set. Now, the Cubs will attempt to close things out with a bullpen game. Andrew Kittredge will get the first inning today, which appears to be a solid choice by manager Craig Counsell. Over his last 20 appearances, the right-hander owns a 1.86 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and 27 strikeouts.
Even more promising for the home team is what lineup they’ll be facing. The Padres, despite their star power, rank just 18th in runs scored per game (4.31). In addition, San Diego has posted a 74.39% NRFI rate on the road, sixth-highest in baseball. That’s not exactly a winning formula for success in the postseason.
On the flip side, the Friars will hand the ball to one of their best arms, Dylan Cease. It’s been a rocky 2025 campaign for the 29-year-old. Through 168.0 innings of work, he’s notched a 4.55 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 215 strikeouts. Still, Cease remains one of the most talented pitchers in the National League. The right-hander allowed two runs or fewer in four of his previous five starts.
This Cubs lineup is loaded, but they often take time to score. The team’s NRFI rate at home is 70.0%, 13th-highest in the league. If Wrigley Field is windy once again, as it was on Tuesday, runs could be at a premium. In Cease’s last three meetings with Chicago, he’s allowed two earned runs (0.96 ERA). Another solid performance is likelier than not this afternoon.
Red Sox vs. Yankees NRFI (-140)
After a dramatic 3-1 nailbiter, the Red Sox have the edge in this Wild Card Series showdown. If the Yankees are going to keep their season alive, they’ll need Carlos Rodon at his best. The three-time All-Star has been terrific this season, posting a 3.09 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 203 strikeouts.
This isn’t an easy matchup; the left-hander has a 4.61 ERA over his last five meetings with Boston. However, he allowed one hit and two earned runs over 5.2 innings when these clubs met on August 24th. In addition, the absence of rookie Roman Anthony has made the Red Sox less intimidating at the plate. Rodon’s first inning ERA over 33 outings this season? 2.13.
Boston will hand the ball to Brayan Bello, in the midst of a career year. Over 166.2 innings pitched, the right-hander has delivered a 3.35 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. The 26-year-old’s success, despite a lack of strikeouts (6.7 K/9), has been huge for the Sox.
Unlike Rodon, Bello has plenty of past success in this matchup. The Dominican has held New York to five earned runs over his previous four meetings with the team (1.85 ERA). Even against a loaded Yankees offense, Boston’s underrated hurler is capable of tossing a clean first inning.
