15 games between 30 teams are set for Wednesday across Major League Baseball. With so many marquee matchups, there’s ample opportunity to place some player props. That includes a few NRFI wagers (No Runs in the First Inning); in the blink of an eye, bettors can cash in. However, dissecting which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups struggle, is key.
Ahead of today’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Angels vs. Mariners (-115)
A battle between young and old is on tap this afternoon in Seattle. The Angels will send staff ace Tyler Anderson to the mound. Through five starts, the 35-year-old has posted a 2.60 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 22 strikeouts. He’ll face a Mariners offense with a home NRFI rate of 76.47%, seventh-highest in baseball.
For the home team, 25-year-old Emerson Hancock will get the nod. On paper, his 7.71 ERA looks atrocious. However, it’s inflated by a six-run, 0.2-inning outing vs. the Tigers on March 30th. Since then, the righty has allowed four runs over 11.0 innings pitched. The Angels have recorded the 12th-lowest NRFI rate this season (71.43%). To make matters worse, it’s been ten games since Los Angeles scored a first inning run. There’s no reason to expect anything different on Wednesday night.
Nationals at Phillies (-140)
Two breakout starters are set to face off tonight in Philly. For the visiting Nationals, Jake Irvin has been a much-needed piece in an otherwise thin rotation. Through six starts, the right-hander has notched a 3.19 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 31 strikeouts. That includes a five-inning, two-run performance against Philadelphia on March 29th. In six of their last seven contests, the Phillies have failed to score a first inning run.
On the other side, Christopher Sanchez is emerging as a third ace alongside Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. This season, the lefty has produced a 3.42 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 33 strikeouts. What’s even more promising is Washington’s ineptitude away from home. The Nationals have a road NRFI rate of 85.71%, fifth-highest in all of baseball. Against a pair of up-and-coming starters, it’s difficult to envision an early offensive explosion.
Athletics vs. Rangers (-125)
Wednesday’s nightcap is an AL West showdown with a couple of intriguing arms set to take the hill. For the visiting Athletics, offseason signing Luis Severino will be tasked with slowing down a talented Rangers lineup. The righty has been on fire recently, allowing five runs over his last 19.2 innings (2.29 ERA). The same can’t be said for Texas’ lineup, having scored the fifth-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.40).
Nathan Eovaldi will make his seventh start of the year for the Rangers. It’s been another standout campaign for the two-time All-Star, who has become one of the sport’s more underrated hurlers. This season, Evo has recorded a 2.21 ERA, 38 strikeouts, and a league-leading 0.736 WHIP. The 35-year-old has posted a minuscule 1.21 ERA over his previous five meetings with the Athletics. Given how both of these arms have pitched recently, this is the most promising NRFI play available tonight.
