A 15-game, 30-team slate is on tap for Friday 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 Friday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best NRFI Prop Bets Today
- Mariners vs. Tigers NRFI (-150): Bryan Woo against a light-hitting Tigers lineup speaks for itself. Detroit is averaging the fourth-fewest runs per game in baseball. On the other side, Framber Valdez gets to face a Mariners offense that struggles to hit lefties.
- Red Sox vs. Yankees NRFI (-130): The Yankees without Aaron Judge are far less intimidating at the plate. Sonny Gray comes into this one with momentum as well. As for Ryan Weathers, he’s recorded a 2.54 first inning ERA since 2024. Boston hitters have notched the sixth-fewest runs per game and fourth-lowest YRFI rate.
- Mets vs. Padres NRFI (-140): Christian Scott has allowed a first inning run in each of his previous three starts. In comparison, San Diego hasn’t done much this season when it comes to early offense. Padres hurler Michael King is a beast in the first inning (91.7% NRFI). As for the Mets, they remain one of the National League’s worst offensive units.
Mariners vs. Tigers NRFI (-150)
To the surprise of absolutely no one, it’s been another stellar campaign for Bryan Woo. Through 70.2 innings of work, the right-hander has recorded a 3.44 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 68 strikeouts (8.7 K/9). During his most recent outing, the All-Star tossed seven scoreless innings against the Diamondbacks. Tonight, he faces a Tigers offense that’s notched the fourth-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.94). At home, Detroit is tied for the league’s tenth-lowest YRFI rate as well (28.57%). A bonafide ace such as Woo should come out firing on Friday in the Motor City.
Opposing the right-hander will be Framber Valdez, making his 13th start. It’s been a disappointing season on a number of levels for the veteran, signed to a three-year deal over the winter. He’s posted a 4.39 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 54 strikeouts (7.2 K/9) over 67.2 frames. Still, those aren’t awful numbers. It helps that Valdez is familiar with Friday’s opponent. He owns a respectable 3.54 ERA over his previous five meetings with the Mariners. This season, Seattle has produced an MLB-worst .621 OPS against left-handed pitching as well. That’s a positive sign for Detroit’s experienced hurler going into this one.
Red Sox vs. Yankees NRFI (-130)
In the newest edition of baseball’s greatest rivalry, Sonny Gray will be making his return to the Bronx. There’s no sugarcoating it: facing the Yankees on the road won’t be easy. Still, Boston’s veteran has held his own all season. Through ten outings, he’s accounted for a 3.06 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 41 strikeouts (7.4 K/9). The Yankees were dealt a serious blow last night; Aaron Judge (rib) is set to miss at least the next two months. They’re also coming off of a poor offensive series this week against the Guardians. New York hits worse against righties than lefties as well.
On the other side, it’ll be Ryan Weathers toeing the slab. Acquired from the Marlins this offseason, it’s been a terrific debut for the righty. Through 64.0 innings of work, he’s delivered a 3.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 75 strikeouts (10.5 K/9). Since 2024, the southpaw owns a 2.57 first inning ERA over 35 appearances. He won’t even need to be at his best against one of baseball’s weakest lineups. Boston is putting up just 3.98 runs per game, sixth-worst in the majors. The Red Sox are also on the hook for the fourth-lowest YRFI rate in the sport (19.67%). That’s before factoring in the loss of Roman Anthony (finger). Weathers shouldn’t have too much trouble on the mound tonight.
Mets vs. Padres NRFI (-140)
Although he hasn’t been perfect, Christian Scott has done a stellar job in New York’s rotation. During seven outings with the Mets, he’s posted a 2.97 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 38 strikeouts (11.3 K/9). In addition, he hasn’t allowed a first inning run in three straight games. Tonight, the righty will take on a Padres lineup falling well short of expectations. The team is currently averaging an MLB-worst 3.85 runs per game. San Diego has the second-lowest OPS against right-handed pitching (.659).
The only team that’s worse at hitting righties? None other than the Mets (.655 OPS). That’s not ideal heading into a matchup with Michael King. San Diego’s ace has been at his best in 2026. Through 68.0 innings, he’s notched a 3.18 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 65 strikeouts (8.6 K/9). Those numbers are even better when playing at pitcher-friendly Petco Park (2.67 ERA). New York has a lackluster 25.00% YRFI rate on the road, 12th-worst in baseball. Nothing on paper suggests an offensive outburst in SoCal tonight.
