The second half of the MLB season is set to begin on Friday night. That makes this the perfect time to place a few NRFI wagers. 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. With 15 games on tap, let’s get the weekend started right!
Ahead of today’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Giants vs. Blue Jays NRFI (-115)
Grizzled veterans are set to take the mound tonight in Toronto. For the visiting Giants, it’ll be Justin Verlander toeing the slab. Despite his big name, the former MVP is no longer an ace. Through 76.2 innings of work, the 42-year-old has notched a 4.70 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 67 strikeouts. Those numbers, while unimpressive, might not matter for NRFI purposes. During 15 starts, Verlander owns a stellar 2.40 first inning ERA.
The Blue Jays will hand the ball to Chris Bassitt, making his 21st appearance of the season. The righty has put together a decent, albeit unimpressive, 2025 campaign (4.12 ERA, 1.35 WHIP). Fortunately for the former All-Star, he’ll get to face a subpar Giants offense. This season, San Francisco has averaged the ninth-fewest runs per game in baseball (4.11). There’s not much here to suggest we’ll see a lot of early scoring.
Athletics vs. Guardians NRFI (-120)
If the Guardians have any shot at a second half turnaround, it’ll take some exceptional performances from their pitchers. One of the biggest breakouts for Cleveland this season has been Slade Cecconi. In ten appearances, the 26-year-old has posted a 3.44 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. The righty has allowed no more than two earned runs in four of his last five outings. To make things even more enticing, Cecconi has accounted for a 1.80 first inning ERA.
Typically, the Athletics and their American League-worst pitching staff are an NRFI stay-away. However, JP Sears is a bit of an exception. The fourth-year pro, acquired in 2022 from the Yankees, has been a stabilizing force in this rotation. Granted, a 4.79 ERA isn’t exactly eye-popping. Regardless, the southpaw has recorded a minuscule 0.90 first inning ERA. That trend should continue on Friday against the light-hitting Guardians. Cleveland’s offense has an NRFI rate of 76.84%, second-highest in baseball. Expect another low-scoring start tonight at Progressive Field.
Astros vs. Mariners NRFI (-130)
As a nightcap, let’s head to the Emerald City for an AL West showdown. While the Astros are the favorites to win this division, the pitching edge tonight is not in their favor. Seattle’s Luis Castillo is set to toe the slab for the home team. The three-time All-Star has put together another quality season (3.41 ERA, 1.24 WHIP). Houston’s bats have delivered a 76.04% NRFI rate, fourth-highest in baseball.
To keep Cal Raleigh and the Mariners at bay, it’ll be Brandon Walter on the bump. The second-year pro has been a pleasant surprise in Houston, putting up a 3.98 ERA through seven starts. That doesn’t mean he’s immune from a subpar performance, but it is promising heading into tonight’s matchup. At home, Seattle’s NRFI rate is the second-highest in all of baseball (80.43%). I’m willing to bet that Walter can keep the M’s at bay for at least one inning.
