15 games between 30 teams are on tap for Friday 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.
Giants at Marlins NRFI (-120)
While they’ve cooled down a bit, the Giants are still in prime position to compete for a playoff spot in the National League. The same can’t be said for the Marlins, currently last in the NL East division. Tonight, these two opposites will battle in South Beach; for the visitors, Kyle Harrison will get the nod. The third-year pro has mainly pitched out of the bullpen this season, recording a 3.86 ERA. However, a recent pectoral injury to Justin Verlander has placed the 23-year-old back in the rotation. He’ll get to face a Miami offense scoring 4.24 runs per game, only 17th in baseball.
On the other side, it’ll be Cal Quantril on the bump. This season, the Marlins hurler has posted a 6.09 ERA over 44.1 innings of work. Those numbers are atrocious, but remember: we just need three outs. Since 2024, the veteran has surrendered ten first inning runs over 39 appearances (2.31 ERA). He’ll hope to keep that level of success against a San Francisco lineup that starts slow. This season, the Giants have notched baseball’s third-highest NRFI rate (76.79%). Trusting Quantril isn’t ideal, but there’s reason to believe he can get through the first frame unscathed.
Tigers at Royals NRFI (-110)
An AL Central rivalry match pits two of the Junior Circuit’s best against each other. Both the Tigers and Royals are built on pitching, and Friday will showcase two of the better arms each squad has to offer. Detroit is handing the ball to Casey Mize, an early season breakout candidate. Through eight starts, the right-hander has accounted for a 2.45 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 41 strikeouts. He’ll have an ideal matchup on hand tonight, as the Royals own baseball’s seventh-highest NRFI rate (75.44%).
Opposing Mize will be Royals ace Seth Lugo. It’s been another standout season for the All-Star, compiling a 3.02 ERA and 42 strikeouts through 56.2 innings pitched. However, this outing might not be easy; Detroit ranks fourth in the league with 5.05 runs scored per game. Regardless, Lugo has allowed only eight first inning runs over 42 starts since 2024 (1.71 ERA). That level of NRFI success makes it difficult to ignore the veteran, even against a dangerous Tigers lineup.
Rays at Astros NRFI (-145)
A 13-3 triumph on Thursday has given the red-hot Rays eight wins over their last nine contests. The biggest key to their success? Dominant pitching. It’s been nearly two weeks since an opponent scored more than four runs against Tampa Bay. Tonight, one of the team’s best starters will toe the slab, Ryan Pepiot. Over 63.1 innings of work, the right-hander has recorded a 3.55 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts. In addition, he’s only allowed three first inning runs in 11 starts this season (2.45 ERA). The 27-year-old will go up against an Astros squad that has baseball’s highest NRFI rate (83.93%). For context, the next closest team is Milwaukee at 77.19%.
Houston will counter with one of baseball’s best arms, Framber Valdez. The two-time All-Star has been his normal, terrific self in 2025. Through 11 appearances, the left-hander owns a 3.39 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 64 strikeouts. While the Rays have played inspired baseball recently, this isn’t an elite lineup by any means. Tampa Bay is only 22nd in baseball with a 75.0% NRFI rate. That should be enough for a bonafide ace such as Valdez to handle. Expect a low-scoring start from two talented hurlers on Friday.
