A loaded 15-game, 30 team slate is on tap for Friday 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 Friday’s MLB matchups, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Orioles vs. Guardians NRFI (-125)
Veteran Chris Bassitt will get the nod this evening for the visiting Orioles. The 12th-year pro, signed this offseason, is far from a sure thing at this point. However, he’s been a fairly reliable pitcher to start most games. Over the last two seasons, the former All-Star has accounted for a stellar 73.5% NRFI rate. In comparison, the Guardians are averaging the eighth-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.95). Cleveland also owns the 11th-lowest OPS against right-handed pitchers (.694).
After getting nearly no-hit last night by Parker Messick, Baltimore’s offense will be looking to make an early statement. That could prove difficult this evening against Tanner Bibee. Granted, Cleveland’s hurler hasn’t exactly been dominant to kick off 2026. Through 18.1 innings of work, he’s posted a 6.38 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 18 strikeouts. With that being said, he has a 77.1% NRFI rate since 2025. The Orioles own a 10.53% YRFI rate on offense this season, third-lowest in baseball.
Royals vs. Yankees NRFI (-125)
A date with the Yankees and slugger Aaron Judge doesn’t exactly scream run prevention. Last season, New York’s lineup accounted for a league-high 39.64% YRFI rate as well. Regardless, it’s not enough for me to fade Michael Wacha tonight. The former NLCS MVP was unhittable in the first last season (87.1% NRFI). Through three outings this year, he remains unblemished to open up games. To make things more enticing, Wacha has a solid 3.41 ERA over his previous six meetings with the Pinstripes.
Despite a red-hot start, Cam Schlittler has cooled off a bit as of late. The righty has given up six runs on 12 hits over his last two outings. Still, he’s managed to strike out a combined 15 batters during that time as well. On the year, the rookie has produced a 2.49 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 30 K’s. In addition, he’s allowed a first inning run only once during those four appearances. Friday’s opponents, the Royals, look like an ideal matchup on paper. Kansas City is averaging 2.67 runs per game on the road, second-worst in the league.
Tigers vs. Red Sox NRFI (-140)
In a battle between former All-Stars, Casey Mize will toe the slab for the visiting Tigers. Over three games, the 29-year-old has put up a respectable 3.94 ERA in spite of a lackluster 1.44 WHIP. One area where the right-hander has been quite effective is at the start of games. Since 2025, Mize has recorded an 80.6% NRFI rate. On the flip side, Boston’s offense has been ice-cold over the past few weeks. The Red Sox have a 16.67% YRFI rate at Fenway Park, fifth-worst in baseball at home.
For the Sawx, it’ll be prized offseason pickup Ranger Suarez on the mound. It’s been a mixed bag for the Venezuelan, owner of a 5.02 ERA in 2026. Still, the track record speaks for itself. Last season in Philadelphia, he delivered a 3.20 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 151 strikeouts over 157.1 innings. Even more important, Suarez’s NRFI rate was a sky-high 88.5%. In comparison, Detroit’s bats aren’t the most intimidating. The Tigers have scored in the first just once during ten road games this season (10.0%).
