It’s a 15-game slate of MLB action today, making this the perfect time for an NRFI bet. Just six outs without a score are all it takes for bettors to 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.
Rays at Orioles NRFI (-110)
The Rays sit just a half-game behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the Orioles, currently in last place (34-46). One of the few bright spots for Baltimore this season has been Tomoyuki Sugano. The 35-year-old has looked solid during his first season stateside. Over 15 starts, he’s notched a 3.55 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Tonight, he’ll face a Tampa Bay club that’s posted the league’s highest NRFI rate on the road (90.32%).
To keep the Birds in check, it’ll be Ryan Pepiot on the hill for the visitors. Through 94.2 innings of work, the right-hander owns a 3.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 91 strikeouts. Since 2024, the 27-year-old owns a solid 3.86 first inning ERA. That bodes well going into this matchup with a Baltimore offense that struggles early. The Orioles have an NRFI rate of 73.75%, the eighth-highest mark in baseball.
Mariners at Rangers NRFI (-145)
Two similarly-constructed rivals are set to meet tonight in Arlington. The Rangers have held opponents to the fewest runs per game in baseball this season (3.42). That’s due in large part to the phenomenal pitching of Nathan Eovaldi. The veteran has put up a sparkling 1.56 ERA over 12 appearances so far. After suffering a triceps injury in late May, the righty is set to make his return tonight. Evo has surrendered just two first inning runs this season (1.50 ERA).
For all their pitching prowess, the Rangers are still below .500 at 40-41. That’s due to the American League’s third-lowest scoring offense. Unsurprisingly, Texas is tied for the sport’s fourth-highest NRFI rate (75.31%). Mariners ace Logan Gilbert should find a way to capitalize against a subpar opponent. Over eight starts, the 28-year-old has accounted for a 3.12 ERA and minuscule 0.89 WHIP. In addition, he owns a phenomenal 2.54 career ERA vs. the Rangers. Given how badly the 2025 team has looked at the plate, there’s no reason to doubt Gilbert tonight.
Rockies at Brewers NRFI (-105)
Every once in a while, there’s an NRFI price that’s simply too good to pass up. That’s the case tonight in Milwaukee. To be clear, this isn’t a bet for the faint of heart. The Rockies are an atrocious pitching team (well, everything team). In comparison, the Brewers have scored the seventh-most runs per game in baseball (4.68). It doesn’t help that Colorado’s starter is TBD as of Friday morning.
So why should any bettor be optimistic about this wager? Simply put, the Brewers are slow starters. At home, the Crew have an NRFI rate of 90.24%, by far the largest mark in baseball. That’s enough of a sample size to feel comfortable fading Milwaukee’s offense against any pitcher. Facing Colorado will be Jose Quintana (2.98 ERA). The reliable veteran has only coughed up three first inning runs this season (2.70 ERA). There’s a good chance that continues tonight against a Rockies offense that can’t hit on the road.
