A 15-game, 30-team slate on Wednesday 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 Wednesday’s MLB contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Diamondbacks vs. Giants NRFI (-140)
Taking the mound this afternoon for the visiting Diamondbacks will be Mike Soroka. It’s early, but the right-hander is on track for a fantastic 2026 campaign. Through 55.0 innings of work, he’s notched a 3.27 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 57 strikeouts (9.3 K/9). To boot, he tends to start out strong on the mound. Soroka has delivered a 78% NRFI rate over 27 starts since 2025. On the flip side, San Francisco is averaging an MLB-worst 3.67 runs per game. The Giants have a 21.82% YRFI rate on offense, fifth-worst in baseball.
As for the home team, it’ll be Trevor McDonald making his seventh career start. It’s been a bit of good and bad for the third-year pro this season. Over 22.2 frames, he’s posted a 4.76 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 21 strikeouts (8.3 K/9). Navigating an above-average D-Backs lineup could prove difficult this afternoon. With that being said, a game at pitcher-friendly Oracle Park certainly helps. In addition, Arizona tends to start slow on offense. The Snakes have a 21.43% YRFI rate on the road, seventh-worst in the majors. In comparison, McDonald has allowed a first inning run only once in his career (83% NRFI).
Cubs vs. Pirates NRFI (-110)
Make it ten straight losses for the free-falling Cubs. They’ll attempt to turn things around tonight with Jameson Taillon taking the hill. The righty is no ace, but he’s one of the better mid-rotation hurlers in the sport. This season, he’s put up a lackluster 5.20 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 47 strikeouts (7.6 K/9). Fortunately, we only need Jamo to pick up three quick outs in the first. In that regard, Taillon is a solid bet; he has a 79% NRFI rate over the past two seasons. Even against a quality Pirates offense, Chicago’s veteran is someone I feel comfortable backing tonight.
To counter Taillon, it’ll be Bubba Chandler toeing the slab on Wednesday. Consistency has proven to be elusive for the 23-year-old this season. Through 47.0 innings of work, he’s produced a 4.60 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 47 strikeouts (9.0 K/9). The biggest factor behind the youngster’s struggles has been a lack of command (6.5 BB/9). Still, he usually tends to falter later in games. Chandler has allowed a first inning run just three times over 11 career starts (79% NRFI). Tonight, he’ll take on a Chicago lineup that looks absolutely lost at the plate. Over their last ten games, the Cubs have scored a league-worst 25 runs. They’re also tied for an MLB-worst 16.36% YRFI rate.
