15 games between 30 teams are on tap for Wednesday 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 two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Cardinals at Orioles NRFI (-110)
They might both be birds, but this season couldn’t have gone any differently for the Cardinals and Orioles. St. Louis entered 2025 with low expectations, but a 31-24 record has the team in contention for a playoff spot. Baltimore was a trendy pick to win the AL East; right now, the team is 16 games under .500. The visitors will hand the ball to Miles Mikolas on Wednesday. It’s been another solid campaign from the veteran, currently enjoying his tenth season as a pro. Through ten starts, the two-time All-Star has posted a 3.60 first inning ERA.
On the flip side, Cade Povich will start for the Orioles tonight. It’s been a mediocre first few weeks for the southpaw (4.86 ERA). However, the 25-year-old has allowed only three runs over his last 10.2 innings of work. Through nine appearances this season, Povich has given up two first inning runs. It helps that two of St. Louis’ best hitters, Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar, are lefties. That should provide an early boost for Baltimore’s young hurler.
Rockies at Cubs NRFI (-125)
In a battle of polar opposites, the division-leading Cubs will host the nine-win Rockies on Wednesday. Like most things in this matchup, there’s a decent disparity on the mound. Chicago will give the nod to 11-year veteran Matthew Boyd. It’s been a solid season for the lefty, owner of a 3.42 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 56 strikeouts over 55.1 innings. More importantly, Colorado has recorded baseball’s fourth-highest NRFI rate (76.36%).
Boyd might be the more talented starter, but not by a wide margin. The Rockies will turn to Tanner Gordon, who has shown flashes of greatness. Last Friday, the right-hander tossed six innings of two-run ball against a formidable Yankees lineup. The Cubs aren’t a walk in the park, having scored more than any other team this season. However, Chicago’s NRFI rate of 72.73% is the 12th-highest in baseball. Perhaps Gordon’s most recent start represents a breakthrough. At the very least, he’s capable of keeping this dangerous offense at bay.
