A 15-game, 30-team slate kicks off this afternoon across Major League Baseball. The quickest way for bettors to cash in on today’s action comes via NRFIs. No runs in the first inning can be risky, depending on the odds and which teams are involved. Some pitchers thrive early, while others are more prone to early struggles. Which NRFI bets should you consider before the start of today’s contests?
Ahead of Wednesday’s MLB matchups, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Giants vs. Reds NRFI (-125)
Following a surprise playoff berth in 2025, Cincinnati has kept the momentum going this season. Still, despite a 10-7 record, the team hasn’t been tearing the cover off the ball. The Reds are scoring just 3.29 runs per game, fourth-worst in baseball. To boot, this offense’s YRFI rate is 23.53%, tenth-lowest in the league. In comparison, the Giants will hand the ball to Tyler Mahle on Wednesday. The veteran, when healthy, is a reliable arm. Over his ten-year career, he owns a stellar 75.0% NRFI rate. Even at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park, he’s poised for another solid start this evening.
For Cincinnati, it’ll be Rhett Lowder on the bump. The second-year pro has impressed throughout his career, albeit on a small sample size. Through nine starts, he’s posted a minuscule 1.91 ERA and 88.9% NRFI rate. Lowder has been even better at home (1.33 ERA) than on the road (2.36 ERA). In comparison, San Francisco doesn’t offer much resistance at the plate. The Giants have a 17.65% YRFI rate, tied for seventh-worst in baseball. In addition, they’re scoring an MLB-worst 3.06 runs per game. Lowder should continue his early success on Wednesday.
Cubs vs. Phillies NRFI (-120)
Shota Imanaga will get the nod this evening for Chicago. Through three outings, the Japanese hurler has recorded a 2.81 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 20 strikeouts. During his three years in the majors, the lefty has accounted for a 73.7% NRFI rate as well. The 32-year-old’s favorite off-speed weapon is the splitter; over the last two seasons, Philadelphia is hitting .209 against the pitch. The Phillies are only averaging 4.12 runs per game, fourth-lowest in the National League.
The Cubs will have their work cut out tonight as well against another top-flight arm. Despite some early struggles this season (6.23 ERA), Jesus Luzardo remains a high-level pitcher. In 2025, the southpaw notched a 3.92 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 216 strikeouts over 183.2 innings of work. Throughout his career, the eighth-year pro owns a quality 79.0% NRFI rate. The Cubs have gotten off to a slow start at the dish this season. They’ve scored in the first only twice over 17 games this season (11.76%). That’s tied for the third-lowest mark among all major league clubs.
Blue Jays vs. Brewers (-145)
Toronto picked up a much-needed win in extra innings last night. The Blue Jays will look to keep the momentum going this evening with Dylan Cease slated to start. One of the biggest acquisitions of the offseason, the right-hander has looked sharp so far. Over 14.2 innings pitched, the former Padres ace has delivered a 2.45 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 26 strikeouts. On the flip side, Milwaukee’s lineup is shorthanded right now with Christian Yelich (groin), Jackson Chourio (hand) and Andrew Vaughn (hand) sidelined. Last season, the Brewers posted baseball’s lowest YRFI rate at home (20.93%).
On a Milwaukee roster filled with underrated players, Chad Patrick deserves a mention. The righty has been electric so far, giving up one run over 12.1 innings (0.73 ERA). He’ll hope to keep the good times rolling this evening against an inconsistent lineup. The Blue Jays have yet to score a first inning run over four away games in 2026. It’s a continuation of last season’s trend, in which Toronto posted the league’s 13th-worst YRFI rate on the road (26.97%). Keeping that in mind, the odds are in Patrick’s favor on Wednesday.
