It’s trade deadline day, which most of Thursday’s headlines are taking place off of the field. Just three games are on tap across all of Major League Baseball. Still, for those looking to get in on the action, few wagers are more enticing than a no run first inning bet (NRFI). Three outs from each pitcher are all you need to cash in- but that’s easier said than done. Figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups don’t, is key to cashing in.
Ahead of today’s MLB slate, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rays vs. Yankees NRFI (-120)
Our lone afternoon game is on tap for 1:05 p.m. EST in the Bronx. Toeing the slab for the Yankees will be Marcus Stroman, making his ninth start of the season. It’s been a struggle for the two-time All-Star (6.09 ERA, 1.59 WHIP). However, that’s due in part to knee inflammation suffered in April. Since returning off the injured list in late June, Stroman owns a far more respectable 4.01 ERA. Tampa Bay’s 82.0% NRFI rate on the road is the second-highest mark in all of baseball.
The visiting Rays will hand the ball to Ryan Pepiot, one of their best young arms. This season, the righty has notched a 3.42 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 8.8 K/9. The 27-year-old has a solid track record in this spot, holding the Yankees to a 3.38 ERA over three career outings. It helps that New York will be without the sport’s best hitter in Aaron Judge (shoulder). In the five games since #99 went down, the Pinstripes have only scored once during the first inning. There’s a good chance that continues on Thursday afternoon.
Rangers vs. Mariners NRFI (-130)
A must-watch matchup will take place tonight in the Emerald City. The Rangers and Mariners are tied for possession of the American League’s final wild card spot. That makes this weekend’s four-game series pivotal for both clubs. Thursday’s pitching matchup leans in favor of the home team, with ace George Kirby on the bump. Injuries have limited the righty’s effectiveness in 2025 (4.50 ERA, 1.15 WHIP). Still, the former All-Star remains an absolute force when he’s ‘on’. That’s especially true over nine career starts vs. Texas (1.15 ERA).
The bigger test for this NRFI bet will be Kumar Rocker, taking the hill for the Rangers. It’s been a difficult debut for the rookie, owner of a ghastly 5.73 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. Regardless, in over half of his appearances, the 25-year-old has tossed at least five innings while surrendering three runs or less. Texas will hope the good Rocker shows up tonight against an inconsistent Seattle lineup. When playing at home, the Mariners have produced baseball’s second-highest NRFI rate (82.69%). Keeping that in mind, I’m willing to bet that Rocker can escape the first inning unscathed.
