Baseball fans will be treated to a 15-game Major League Baseball slate on Friday. For those looking to get in on the action, consider 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. Who should you back, and who should you fade, in the first tonight?
Ahead of Friday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Astros vs. Yankees NRFI (-145)
Friday’s battle in the Bronx will see the Astros send out staff ace Hunter Brown. The right-hander has enjoyed a breakout season, notching a 2.47 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 155 strikeouts through 131.0 innings. In addition, the All-Star has been on fire as of late. After a rough patch to start August, Brown has allowed just two earned runs over his previous two starts. This month, New York has scored just 23 total runs, sixth-lowest in the league during that time. Don’t anticipate an offensive explosion tonight against a dominant arm such as Brown.
The biggest test for this NRFI will come in the top half of the first. Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler will get the nod in this one. It’s been an up-and-down first few starts in the majors for the rookie. Through four appearances, he owns a 4.58 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 21 strikeouts. The righty is coming off of the best start of his career on Saturday, a five-inning, two-run showing vs. Miami. Fortunately for the youngster, Houston’s offense usually takes some time to get going. The Astros have an NRFI rate of 75.65%, baseball’s second-highest mark. Considering how good Brown has been this season, all we’ll likely need is three quick outs from Schlitter.
Mets vs. Brewers NRFI (-130)
Two National League heavyweights are set to meet tonight in Wisconsin. The visiting Mets will send out their best pitcher, Kodai Senga. After an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, the Japanese hurler has been a force this year. Through 89.2 innings of work, Senga has posted a 2.31 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 86 strikeouts. Tonight, the former All-Star will attempt to navigate a loaded Brewers lineup. However, Milwaukee often struggles to generate runs at the start of games. The team has a major league-worst 87.50% NRFI rate when playing at home.
For the Brew Crew, it’ll be Brandon Woodruff toeing the slab. Much like Senga, the veteran has enjoyed a triumphant return from injuries. In five starts, the 32-year-old has notched a 2.22 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 37 strikeouts. Expecting those numbers, including the WHIP, to maintain over the rest of the year is wishful thinking. Still, the ace has shown he hasn’t lost a step after missing all of last season. The Mets enter Friday having scored four runs or less in six of their previous eight contests. It’s difficult to envision that changing against a pitcher of Woodruff’s caliber.
Rays vs. Mariners NRFI (-130)
The Rays simultaneously bought and sold last week during the MLB trade deadline. One piece Tampa Bay made sure not to sell was pitcher Drew Rasmussen. When looking over the right-hander’s statistics, it’s easy to see why he was kept. Through 105.2 innings of work, the All-Star has delivered a 2.81 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 93 strikeouts. Typically, a date with the Mariners wouldn’t be a walk in the park. However, Seattle is averaging the ninth-fewest runs per game at home (4.05). Over four career appearances vs. the M’s, Rasmussen owns a minuscule 0.63 ERA.
Luis Castillo is slated to take the mound tonight. He’s not an ace at this point in his career, but the veteran is still a terrific hurler. Over 131.1 innings, the Dominican has accounted for a 3.22 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 115 strikeouts. In addition, he’s been absolutely untouchable in the first inning (0.78 ERA). On the road, Tampa Bay has an NRFI rate of 79.63%, second-highest in baseball. Expect a clean start in Seattle on Friday.
