Fourth of July is here, which means it’s time to place some MLB player props! On Friday’s loaded slate, few prop bets are more exciting than an NRFI. 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. 15 games are on tap, making this the perfect time to place a few NRFI wagers.
Ahead of today’s MLB action, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Royals vs. Diamondbacks NRFI (-125)
Although the Royals have struggled, Kris Bubic has been one of the biggest breakouts of the 2025 MLB season. Through 96.0 innings of work, the southpaw has recorded a 2.25 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 101 strikeouts. The 27-year-old has allowed more than three runs only twice over 16 starts. That’s not to say tonight’s matchup will be easy; the Diamondbacks are averaging the third-most runs per game in baseball (5.18). Still, Bubic owns a stellar 1.69 first inning ERA. At this point, he’s earned the benefit of the doubt against almost any lineup.
As good as Bubic has looked this season, he isn’t the only talented arm taking the mound on Friday. Eduardo Rodriguez can be a handful for opposing offenses, even if his numbers don’t reflect it. The tenth-year pro has a lackluster 5.13 ERA and 1.56 WHIP over 14 appearances this season. However, Arizona’s experienced arm has begun to turn things around. Since June 6th, E-Rod has accounted for a minuscule 1.98 ERA in five outings. It helps that he’ll be facing the Royals, arguably baseball’s worst lineup. Kansas City is averaging just 3.30 runs per game, the league’s lowest total.
Giants vs. Athletics NRFI (+110)
At +110, Giants-Athletics might have the highest odds for any of our NRFI picks this season. Still, that doesn’t mean this bet is doomed from the jump. San Francisco will send out Justin Verlander on Friday evening. The future Hall of Famer has enjoyed a decent, albeit unspectacular, 2025 campaign. Through 67.2 innings pitched, JV has posted a 4.26 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 55 strikeouts. The veteran typically starts games off strong, resulting in a 2.08 first inning ERA. Another stat worth noting: the A’s have scored the league’s sixth-fewest runs since June 1st (120).
On the other side, it’ll be JP Sears toeing the slab in Sacramento. It hasn’t been pretty for the righty, one of several inconsistent Athletics starters (5.09 ERA, 1.30 WHIP). However, the 29-year-old is fresh off of an impressive 5.2-innings of scoreless ball against the Yankees. He’ll look to keep that momentum going against a far less intimidating Giants lineup. This season, San Francisco is putting up the league’s 12th-fewest runs per game (4.16). In addition, the team is tied for baseball’s tenth-highest NRFI rate (72.73%). Although Sears has been difficult to trust, there’s a decent chance he gets through the first unscathed.
