15 games between 30 teams are on tap tonight across Major League Baseball. With so much talent taking the field, 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 Friday’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Cardinals at Royals (-130)
The I-70 series is set to commence tonight with an intriguing battle on the mound. For St. Louis, Andre Pallante will get the nod on Friday. The right-hander has had a decent, not spectacular, 2025 campaign (4.26 ERA). However, he’s fresh off of a dominant seven-inning, two-run performance in Washington last week. Since 2024, Pallante has posted a first inning ERA of 3.21. The Royals are a mediocre hitting team, recording the league’s 11th-highest NRFI rate (73.33%).
For Kansas City, it’ll be Cole Ragans toeing the slab. This season, the lefty has accounted for a 4.20 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 65 strikeouts over 40.2 innings. The former All-Star has been inconsistent to start the year, but he’s well-positioned for early success tonight. St. Louis is tied for the 12th-highest NRFI rate (72.73%), a bad omen heading into a matchup with Ragans. Through eight starts, the hurler has allowed only two earned runs (2.25 ERA). KC’s ace is too good to continue struggling; expect him to come out strong in this inter-league showdown.
Rays at Marlins (-140)
Entering the 2025 season, Rays fans had high hopes for Taj Bradley. Thus far, the 24-year-old has been just ok, logging a 4.24 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. On the bright side, he’s allowed no more than two earned runs in each of his previous three starts. Tonight, he’ll face a Marlins lineup that has scored more than four runs once during their last ten games. Miami’s NRFI rate of 76.19% is the sixth-highest mark in baseball.
On the other side, it’s shaping up to be a bullpen day for the Fish. That’s not exactly cause for confidence, considering Miami’s ‘pen has compiled an uninspiring 4.91 ERA. Regardless, the biggest draw for the Marlins is who they’ll meet on Friday. The Rays have one of the sport’s starkest home/away splits, struggling to hit outside of Steinbrenner Field. This season, Tampa Bay’s road NRFI rate is a league-high 93.33%. In a pitcher’s venue such as Marlins Park, runs could be hard to come by.
Twins at Brewers (-125)
No team in baseball is as hot as the Twins, winners of 11 straight. Minnesota, looking like a cellar-dweller to start the season, has catapulted itself into the American League playoff picture. Unfortunately, Thursday was not kind to this roster. Shortstop Carlos Correa and outfielder Byron Buxton collided into one another, giving both players a concussion. Without two of their better bats, the Twins suddenly look much less intimidating at the plate. That should help Brewers starter Chad Patrick, who has enjoyed a stellar first few months this season (3.19 ERA). So far, he’s allowed only two first inning runs over eight outings.
Tonight, the visitors will hand the ball to Joe Ryan. The 28-year-old is criminally underrated, pitching like a borderline ace over the past few seasons. He’s been terrific in 2025: 2.78 ERA, 54 strikeouts and a sterling 0.83 WHIP through 46.0 innings of work. The fireballer will get to go up against a mediocre Milwaukee lineup. This season, the Brewers have posted an NRFI rate of 77.27%, third-highest in baseball. That number is even worse when playing at home (84.21%). With two talented arms dueling, it’s difficult to imagine an early offensive outburst from either side in this one.
