A nine-game, 18-team slate is on tap for Thursday across Major League Baseball. 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 Thursday’s MLB contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best NRFI Prop Bets Today
Blue Jays vs. Braves NRFI (-145)
Despite no set starter taking the mound tonight, it’ll be Mason Fluharty serving as an opener for Toronto. Over 22.2 innings of work, the reliever owns a respectable 3.97 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 30 strikeouts (11.9 K/9). If you had to face this dangerous Braves offense, now would be an opportune time. Drake Baldwin (oblique), one of the team’s top hitters, remains sidelined. In addition, Atlanta has a middling 31.03% YRFI rate at home, 15th-best in baseball. The team is also significantly worse against lefties (.735 OPS) compared to right-handed pitching (.777 OPS).
On the other side, Chris Sale will take the hill for his 12th start of the season. It’s been another terrific campaign for the nine-time All-Star. Through 67.0 innings, he’s notched a 2.01 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 80 strikeouts (10.7 K/9). This season, the veteran has allowed a first inning run on just two occasions (81.8% NRFI). In comparison, the Blue Jays are averaging the eighth-fewest runs per game in baseball (4.03). Despite avoiding strikeouts, this lineup doesn’t generate much in terms of quality contact. To boot, Toronto has the seventh-worst YRFI rate in the league (24.19%). Generating early offense will be an uphill battle tonight against one of the sport’s premier arms.
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks NRFI (-115)
On a Dodgers squad loaded with high-priced pitchers, Justin Wrobleski is making a name for himself. Unlike some of his fireballing teammates, the 25-year-old does most of his damage by inducing weak contact. Over ten outings (nine starts) this season, the southpaw has recorded a 2.87 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 40 strikeouts (5.7 K/9). Facing the Diamondbacks, a club that tends to do well against left-handed pitching, isn’t ideal on paper. However, Arizona has been struggling at the plate recently. During their last five contests, the Snakes have scored an MLB-worst 12 runs combined. To make matters worse, they’ve accounted for the 12th-worst YRFI rate in baseball (27.87%).
As for Arizona, Ryne Nelson will toe the slab on Thursday. Despite a shaky month of April, the right-hander has begun to look like his old self. During his previous six appearances, he’s allowed 13 earned runs (2.95 ERA). It helps that the 28-year-old has done surprisingly well throughout his career against the defending champs. Over eight meetings with the Dodgers, Nelson has delivered a 2.72 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. In the first inning this season, he’s posted a stellar 83.3% NRFI rate. Even against Los Angeles’ terrific lineup, I like the veteran’s chances this evening.
