15 games between 30 teams are on tap on Tuesday 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 today’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Tigers at Cardinals NRFI (-145)
Tonight’s Tigers-Cardinals matchup owns one of the higher NRFI prices on tonight’s slate. However, the cost is justified considering Tarik Skubal is taking the mound. Last season’s American League Cy Young winner, it’s been another terrific campaign for the left-hander. Through 54.0 innings pitched, Detroit’s ace has recorded a 2.67 ERA, 71 strikeouts and a 0.93 WHIP. Since 2024, Skubal has allowed only nine earned runs over 40 starts (2.03 ERA).
St. Louis’ Erik Fedde doesn’t possess the same level of talent, but he’s still a quality starter. The 32-year-old has put up a respectable 3.42 ERA over 52.1 innings pitched. Last season, as a member of the White Sox, the veteran tossed seven innings of two-run ball vs. Detroit. Obviously, Skubal will do most of the heavy lifting on this wager. Still, it’s reassuring to know that Fedde has shown an ability to keep this Tigers lineup at bay.
Royals at Giants NRFI (-135)
The Royals and Giants are somewhat similar to each other. Both teams possess a fantastic starting rotation in addition to deep, difficult ballparks to hit in. This season, San Francisco’s Oracle Park is the second-most pitcher friendly environment in baseball, per Savant. All those factors should help out tonight’s starter, Hayden Birdsong. Recently promoted to the Giants’ rotation, the 23-year-old has posted a 2.31 ERA over 23.1 innings of work, mostly in relief. He’ll face a middling Royals lineup that has the league’s eighth-highest NRFI rate on the road (78.26%).
Opposing Birdsong on Tuesday will be veteran Michael Lorenzen. Through nine appearances in 2025, the Royals’ starter has notched a 3.76 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. In addition, he’s allowed just 11 first inning runs over the past two seasons (3.03 ERA). The Giants have an NRFI rate of 75.0% at home, 22nd in baseball. These evenly-matched squads have enough on the mound to keep things scoreless through one frame.
Diamondbacks at Dodgers NRFI (+100)
To wrap things up, let’s get a little risky. On paper, the Dodgers should be the ultimate stay away team. Los Angeles has an NRFI rate of 60.42%, second-lowest in all of baseball. However, they’ll have to face a surprisingly difficult opponent tonight: Ryne Nelson. Recently promoted to Arizona’s rotation, it’s hard to believe a 5.13 ERA spot-starter could give the defending champions trouble. Regardless, the right-hander has surrendered only four earned runs over his last 24.0 innings pitched against LA (1.50 ERA).
On the other side, the Diamondbacks will have to take on one of baseball’s best pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. It’s been a fantastic start for the Japanese ace, owner of a 2.12 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 59 strikeouts over 51.0 innings. He’s been especially dominant to start games, holding lineups to a .197 batting average during his first time through the order. If Nelson does his part, this NRFI prop bet could be a steal at even-money.
