15 games between 30 teams make up Friday’s MLB slate. 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 on Friday?
Ahead of today’s Major League Baseball contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best NRFI Prop Bets Today
| Game | Pitching Matchup |
| Blue Jays vs. Phillies NRFI (-125) | Soriano vs. Wheeler |
| Orioles vs. Rangers NRFI (-125) | Baz vs. Eovaldi |
Blue Jays vs. Phillies NRFI (-125)
One of the bigger names moved during Monday’s trade deadline was Jose Soriano. It wasn’t a surprise to see the 27-year-old dealt. That it was the sub-.500 Blue Jays did register as a bit of a shock, however. Still, it’s easy to see why Toronto’s front office would want to acquire the hurler with two more years of control remaining. Through 123.0 innings pitched (22 starts), he’s recorded a 3.29 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 127 strikeouts (9.3 K/9). The righty has been a force in the first inning, entering Friday on a nine-game NRFI streak. Tonight’s opponents, the Phillies, are 15th in runs scored (512) and 17th in OPS vs. right-handers (.715).
Philadelphia will counter with an even better arm in Zack Wheeler. It’s been another dominant campaign from the veteran, in the mix for his first career Cy Young award. Over 105.0 innings of work (18 starts), he’s notched a 2.49 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 126 strikeouts (10.8 K/9). In addition, he enters tonight’s contest with a superb 83.3% NRFI rate. Wheeler will have the pleasure of facing baseball’s lowest-scoring offense on Friday. The Blue Jays are averaging just 3.89 runs per game, all while posting an American League-worst 22.41% YRFI rate.
Orioles vs. Rangers NRFI (-125)
On an otherwise middling Baltimore rotation, Shane Baz has been a steadying force. Through 128.1 innings (22 starts), the former Rays pitcher has delivered a 3.86 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 111 strikeouts (7.8 K/9). Despite inconsistent command (3.2 BB/9), the fifth-year pro has been consistent if nothing else. That includes when he pitches in the first inning; Baz has a career 75.0% NRFI rate. He hasn’t allowed a first inning run in six straight games. On the flip side, Texas is averaging the eighth-fewest runs per game at home (4.13).
The Rangers will hand the ball to one of their best in Nathan Eovaldi. For NRFI bettors, it’s a good time to back the veteran. He’s allowed a first inning run only once over his previous ten appearances. Despite a season that isn’t quite up to his standards, the 36-year-old is still one of the sport’s better pitchers. This evening, he’ll face an Orioles lineup that takes plenty of time to get going. Baltimore’s offense owns a 23.48% YRFI rate, fourth-worst in the majors. That sounds like a perfect recipe for limiting scoring in the first tonight.
