A 15-game, 30-team slate is on tap for Saturday 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 Saturday’s MLB contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best NRFI Prop Bets Today
| Pirates vs. Braves (-130) | Ashcraft vs. Strider |
| Guardians vs. Rangers (-135) | Bibee vs. Leiter |
Pirates vs. Braves NRFI (-130)
In this battle between postseason contenders, Pittsburgh will hand the ball to Braxton Ashcraft. In a rotation headlined by Paul Skenes, the right-hander is piecing together a terrific campaign of his own. Through 74.2 innings of work, he’s recorded a 2.77 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 81 strikeouts (9.8 K/9). The right-hander has only made 20 starts at the big league level. He still has yet to allow a first inning run in the majors. That streak will be put to the test tonight against a lethal Braves offense. Regardless, a 100% NRFI speaks for itself. At this point, it would be almost impossible not to pick Ashcraft here.
As for the home team, Spencer Strider will toe the slab this afternoon. While he’s not quite the same pitcher compared to three seasons prior, the righty remains a weapon on the mound. Over six starts, he’s notched a 3.77 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 40 strikeouts (11.6 K/9). Throughout his six-year career, the veteran owns a stellar 82% NRFI rate at Truist Park. The Pirates wield potent bats, especially against right-handed pitching. Still, Strider is a proven producer at the start of games. Given how good he and Ashcraft have been this season, I’ll ride with this pick at -130.
Guardians vs. Rangers NRFI (-135)
Taking the hill for Cleveland tonight will be Tanner Bibee, making his 14th start of the season. It’s been a mediocre first few months for the 27-year-old. Through 69.0 innings pitched, he’s recorded a 4.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 60 strikeouts (7.8 K/9). None of his advanced metrics pop off the page either. However, he may not need to be at his best this evening. The Rangers have not impressed at the plate, especially at Globe Life Field. They’re averaging 3.52 runs per game at home, third-worst in baseball. In addition, Texas has the ninth-lowest YRFI rate in the league (26.98%). Bibee owns a 2.82 ERA over four career meetings with the Rangers.
On the bump for Texas will be Jack Leiter. At his best, the right-hander is capable of taking care of business. However, he’s struggled with consistency. Over 12 starts, he’s accounted for a 4.34 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 74 strikeouts (10.0 K/9). However, he’s been an above-average arm at home (3.34 ERA). Cleveland has scored the league’s ninth-fewest runs per game (4.09). The Guardians are also putting up the fourth-lowest OPS against right-handed pitching (.678). Keeping that in mind, I’ll back both hurlers to toss a clean first inning tonight.
