15 games between 30 teams are set for Friday across Major League Baseball. With several 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, figuring out 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.
Padres vs. Pirates (-125)
Former All-Stars will take the mound in Pittsburgh tonight in what should be a quality pitching matchup. For the visiting Padres, it’s been a rough season for staff ace Dylan Cease. Through 29.2 innings of work, the right-hander has coughed up 19 earned runs (5.76 ERA). Still, the 29-year-old’s track record and underlying data suggests he’s been a victim of bad luck; it’s only a matter of time until he turns things around. Cease has given up just one first inning run in six starts. There’s a good chance that trend continues against a mediocre Pirates offense.
For the home team, Mitch Keller will get the nod. He’s not Paul Skenes, but Pittsburgh’s number two arm is talented in his own right. This season, he’s notched a 3.97 ERA; that number is just 3.00 in the first inning. The Padres have scored a first inning run just once over their last seven contests. It won’t be easy, but Keller is more than capable of navigating this tough San Diego lineup.
Mets vs. Cardinals (-135)
A fast start for the Mets hit a speed bump this week with a series loss against the Diamondbacks. New York will attempt to turn the page tonight against the struggling 14-18 Cardinals. St. Louis will have the edge in Friday’s pitching matchup, with Sonny Gray taking the mound. The veteran has been solid thus far, recording a 3.60 ERA over 35.0 innings of work. He’s been terrific at the start of games, notching a 3.44 first inning ERA since 2024.
Both of these clubs rank inside the top six in NRFI rate, failing to score in at least 75% of their outings. The Mets will send out reliever-turned-starter Clay Holmes tonight. It’s been a successful first campaign in Queens for the righty, who has allowed seven runs over 26.0 innings pitched (2.64 ERA). As a team, the Cardinals are hitting just .231 over the last two weeks. Holmes should have no issues starting strong on Friday against a collection of ice-cold bats.
Tigers vs. Angels (-145)
After a shaky first few appearances, Tarik Skubal has found his groove. The Cy Young winner has been on a heater, surrendering two runs over his last 24.0 innings of work. Since 2024, the lefty has been especially dominant to start games, putting up a 1.70 first inning ERA. Tonight’s opponent, the Angels, have recorded an NRFI rate of 90.0% during their last ten contests. In his career against Los Angeles, Skubal has allowed three runs over 13.2 innings.
For the Halos, Jose Soriano will hope to get back on track. It’s been a rough few weeks for the 26-year-old, who flashed some potential in 2024. During his last 12.0 innings pitched, the right-hander has accounted for 12 earned runs (9.00 ERA). Tonight, Soriano will get to face a good, not great, Tigers lineup tonight. Detroit has failed to score a first-inning run in 18 of their 32 games this season. Assuming Skubal dominates once again, this bet comes down to Los Angeles’ young hurler recording three outs; that’s a risk worth taking.
