A 15-game, 30-team slate on Tuesday makes up today’s Major League Baseball action. For those looking to cash in quickly on a bet, nothing makes more sense than an NRFI. With that being said, there’s more to this one than meets the eye. Some pitchers thrive early, while others take more time to get settled in than others. Which NRFI picks are worth a closer look today?
Ahead of Tuesday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rays vs. Orioles NRFI (-110)
The AL East-leading Rays are never afraid to do something unconventional on the mound. This year, that’s meant handing the ball to reliever Griffin Jax, as a starter. The stretched-out arm has responded well to the move, giving up three earned runs over his last 19.0 innings (1.42 ERA). Even more important, the right-hander has been locked in at the beginning of games. This season, Jax has allowed one first inning run en route to an 80% NRFI rate. That number jumps up to 85.7% over 21 career starts. Tonight’s opponents, the Orioles, have disappointed at the plate. Their 16.67% YRFI rate on offense is the second-worst mark in baseball.
Baltimore will hand the ball tonight to none other than Shane Baz. The former Tampa Bay hurler has been a mixed bag for his new squad. Through ten outings, he’s notched a 4.87 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 48 strikeouts (7.5 K/9). If there’s one thing the 27-year-old does particularly well, he tends to come out hot. Since 2025, Baz has produced a stellar 80% NRFI rate. To boot, the Rays have delivered a below average 25.93% YRFI rate on the road this season. At -110, it’s a great price for bettors heading into this AL East showdown.
Braves vs. Red Sox NRFI (-135)
As if the Braves couldn’t get more dangerous, they welcomed back Spencer Strider from the injured list in May. Since making his return, the All-Star has notched a 3.00 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 27 strikeouts (11.6 K/9) over four appearances. Outside of a shaky showing at Coors Field, it’s been business as usual for the hard-throwing righty. Strider should be licking his chops heading into Tuesday’s matchup. The Red Sox have recorded an American League-worst 3.73 runs per game and 15.38% YRFI rate. Strider should have little trouble navigating one of the sport’s worst lineups this evening.
On the other side, it’ll be Ranger Suarez toeing the slab. So far, so good for the high-priced free agent signing. Through 48.2 innings pitched, he’s put up a 2.40 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 43 strikeouts (8.0 K/9). Granted, finding success tonight won’t be easy against these Atlanta hitters. Still, one of the team’s top bats in Drake Baldwin (oblique) remains sidelined. In addition, the Braves are slightly worse against left-handed pitching compared to righties. Suarez has given up just one earned run over his last 22.1 frames (0.40 ERA). That’s enough for me to back the veteran tonight at home.
Astros vs. Rangers NRFI (-110)
A combined no-hitter last night came from an unlikely source. Pitching has been a major issue for the Astros all season. Shutting down the bats of their biggest rivals on Monday was certainly a welcome sight. Houston will hope to keep the good times rolling this evening with Jason Alexander taking the hill. It’s been a rough start to the season for the 33-year-old (7.30 ERA, 1.70 WHIP). However, he’s only made three appearances so far. Over 25 career starts, he’s allowed a first-inning run just three times (88% NRFI). In comparison, the Rangers have delivered an MLB-worst 2.86 runs per game and 9.09% YRFI rate at home.
Texas will counter with a young, albeit inconsistent, arm in Jack Leiter. Despite the occasional letdown performance, the 26-year pro is capable of greatness on any given night. That’s even true when it comes to tonight’s opponents. Leiter owns a respectable 3.46 ERA over four career meetings with Houston. He also has an 81% NRFI rate when throwing at spacious Globe Life Field. The Astros have scored just 36 total runs over their last ten games, tenth-worst in baseball during that stretch. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if they start off slow in this one.
