October is in full swing, which m0eans postseason series are heating up across baseball. Four different teams are facing elimination, making Wednesday’s matchup a true must-win. With several clubs desperate for a victory, all eyes will be on the mound. Getting a quality start could be the difference between going home and living to see another day. Which pitchers can managers, and NRFI bettors, trust?
Ahead of Wednesday’s MLB matchups, here are two NRFI bets worth considering on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Mariners vs. Tigers NRFI (-115)
Two straight wins have the Mariners on the verge of their first ALCS trip in nearly a quarter century. That means the underdog Tigers will be throwing the kitchen sink at the M’s today.
Fortunately for Detroit, it’ll be All-Star Casey Mize on the mound. Despite a second-half slump, the right-hander has been solid all year (3.87 ERA, 1.27 WHIP). In addition, he’s dominated at the start of games. The veteran currently owns a minuscule 1.97 first inning ERA. Even against a capable Seattle offense, Mize has what it takes to secure three early outs.
For the visitors, it’ll be Bryce Miller toeing the slab. It’s been a difficult 2025 campaign for the right-hander, who has battled injuries and inconsistent performance. Still, the 27-year-old’s talent is undeniable. In addition, he’ll be facing a flawed Tigers offense. Detroit’s 74.40% NRFI rate ranks as the fourth-highest mark in baseball.
Miller, for all his issues, tends to fall apart later in games. Over 18 appearances, he’s delivered a terrific 3.00 first inning ERA. During his last appearance vs. the Tigers, in 2024, the third-year pro tossed seven scoreless, two hit innings. Can Bryce recapture that magic vs. Detroit? For one inning, I’m willing to say yes.
Brewers vs. Cubs NRFI (-145)
The first two games of the NLDS have been an absolute nightmare for the Cubs, outscored 16-6. As bad as things have been for Chicago, a return to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field offers up some hope. Slated to start tonight will be Jameson Taillon. The right-hander is no stranger to this situation. Last week, he delivered four scoreless innings in Game 3 vs. the Padres.
Cam Jamo produce another stellar outing against a terrific Brewers lineup? It’s not out of the question. Over his last seven meetings with Milwaukee, Taillon has recorded a 3.27 ERA. That includes a six-inning, one-run showing on August 19th. In addition, the veteran has posted a stellar 1.57 first inning ERA over 23 starts.
To take down the Cubs, Milwaukee will turn to underrated hurler Quinn Priester. It’s been a breakout season for the right-hander, who has found a home in Wisconsin. Through 157.1 innings of work, he’s produced a 3.32 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 132 strikeouts. In addition, the 25-year-old owns a respectable 71.0% NRFI rate.
On paper, the Cubs wield one of the National League’s most prolific lineups. However, that hasn’t been the case in October. During the postseason, Chicago has scored just 12 total runs over five contests. Don’t expect an offensive outburst on Wednesday against one of Milwaukee’s top arms.
