A 15-game MLB slate is on tap for Friday. 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 |
| Angels vs. Nationals NRFI (-135) | Kikuchi vs. Cavalli |
| Phillies vs. Braves NRFI (-140) | Nola vs. Sale |
Angels vs. Nationals NRFI (-135)
It’s been a difficult 2026 campaign for Yusei Kikuchi, plagued by injury and inconsistency. The right-hander has notched a 4.96 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 49 strikeouts (9.0) over 49.0 innings this season. Fortunately for the Angels, it’s been more of the former in recent weeks. During three starts since coming off the injured list in late August, he owns a solid 3.50 ERA. Even more important, Kikuchi comes into this one on a six-game NRFI streak. Despite hammering the ball for most of this season, the Nationals have looked off at the plate recently. Over the past month, they’ve tied for the fourth-lowest wRC+ in baseball (85 wRC+). Washington also owns a middling 29.73% YRFI rate, only 16th-best in the league.
On the other side, Cade Cavalli has been a bright spot in D.C. during the second half. He’s recorded a 3.12 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 185 strikeouts (10.5 K/9) through 158.2 innings of work. The right-hander has surrendered three earned runs or fewer over 16 straight outings. In addition, he’s given up a first inning run only once over his previous ten appearances. As for the Angels, they’re averaging the sport’s third-fewest runs per game (4.05). To boot, Los Angeles has a mediocre 26.39% YRFI rate on the road. It’s difficult to envision the Halos getting early offense against a solid young starter such as Cavalli.
Phillies vs. Braves NRFI (-140)
Aaron Nola is the ultimate enigma on the mound, equally capable of tossing a gem or getting rocked. During 155.0 innings pitched, he’s on the hook for a 4.76 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 162 strikeouts (9.4 K/9). The former All-Star has been terrific in recent weeks, allowing 12 runs over his last eight starts (2.95 ERA). That includes a seven-inning, one-run masterpiece against Atlanta last week. The Braves have been an absolute mess at the plate, scoring a league-worst 90 runs over the past month.
If Atlanta is going to win this game, it’ll likely be due to Chris Sale. The former NL Cy Young winner has been his usual dominant self. Over 150.0 innings pitched, he’s accounted for a 2.10 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 184 strikeouts (11.0 K/9). Unsurprisingly, he’s been nearly unhittable during the first inning (88% NRFI). The Phillies wield a solid offense, but hitting away from home has proven difficult. They’re averaging a National League-worst 4.03 runs per game on the road. Philadelphia’s 25.00% YRFI rate is tenth-worst in the majors as well.
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