15 games between 30 teams are set for Friday night. Plenty of squads are taking the field, giving bettors 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, you can cash in. However, figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups struggle, is key.
Ahead of tonight’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Astros at Guardians NRFI (-120)
On paper, this is one of Friday’s least promising pitching matchups. The Astros will trot out rookie Colton Gordon, owner of an awful 5.95 ERA. Granted, it’s a brief sample size; the 26-year-old has only thrown 19.2 innings this season. In addition, the right-hander hasn’t gotten blow up, allowing no more than four runs in any start. Tonight, he’ll face a Guardians lineup scoring the seventh-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.95). In addition, Cleveland possesses the league’s fifth-highest NRFI rate (75.41%).
To counter Gordon, it’ll be Logan Allen on the hill for the Guardians. It’s been another middling season for the third-year pro; his 4.22 ERA is right around his career mark of 4.57. However, it’s not Cleveland’s starter that should interest betters. Instead, look at Houston’s surprisingly mediocre offense. No team has failed to score early more than the Astros, who have a league-worst NRFI rate of 82.26%. Neither of these lineups have shown they can be trusted, especially in the first inning.
Royals at White Sox NRFI (-125)
The White Sox are last in the American League, but they did earn a series split vs. the formidable Tigers. Chicago will look to carry that momentum into tonight’s matchup with Davis Martin on the mound. Through 68.2 innings of work, the 28-year-old has notched a 3.67 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 41 strikeouts. In addition, the hurler owns a solid 3.60 career ERA against Friday’s opponent, the Royals. This season, Kansas City has an NRFI rate of 71.43%, tied for the 13th-most in baseball.
On the flip side, it’ll be the dependable Seth Lugo pitching for the visitors. It’s been another terrific campaign for the former All-Star, having posted a 3.45 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 45 strikeouts through ten starts. Over 43 starts made since 2024, the veteran has accounted for a minuscule 2.09 ERA. In addition, the White Sox have recorded baseball’s tenth-highest NRFI rate at home this season (74.19%).
Braves at Giants NRFI (-145)
It’s been a disappointing season for the Braves, currently fourth in the NL East with a 27-34 record. However, Atlanta has had a few standouts, including pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach. The second-year pro has put up a 3.13 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 71 strikeouts through 12 outings. In addition, the righty has only allowed six first inning runs over 33 career starts (1.64 ERA). Tonight, he’ll take on a Giants lineup that holds the second-highest NRFI rate in baseball (77.78%).
For San Francisco, it’ll be Hayden Birdsong on the bump. The reliever-turned-starter has turned heads this season, emerging as a quality arm for the Giants. Over 38.0 innings pitched, the 23-year-old has notched a 2.37 ERA and 40 strikeouts. He’ll take on a middling Braves offense averaging the tenth-fewest runs scored per game (4.10). Given the way Birdsong is throwing right now, bet against him at your own risk.
