New week, new NRFI bets. 15 games are on tap across Major League Baseball on Tuesday, with all 30 teams taking the diamond. 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 Tuesday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Pirates vs. Brewers NRFI (-190)
Sometimes, an NRFI bet is so promising that you’re willing to ignore a sky-high price. That’s the case tonight in Milwaukee. For the visiting Pirates, it’ll be none other than Paul Skenes. At this point, not much more can be said about Pittsburgh’s ace. Through 144.0 innings of work, the All-Star owns a 1.94 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 162 strikeouts. Among Skenes’ many positive attributes, his dominance at the start of games stands out. The right-hander has yet to allow a first inning run in 24 appearances this season. His opponent tonight, the Brewers, possess the league’s highest NRFI rate at home (86.67%).
On its own, Skenes’ dominance is enough to make bettors consider this NRFI play. That’s before factoring in Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta. It’s been another terrific year for the Dominican, arguably baseball’s most underrated arm. Over 130.2 innings pitched, the 29-year-old has posted a 3.03 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 141 strikeouts. His opponents tonight, the Pirates, have scored a league-worst 3.56 runs per game. Even at -190, it’s difficult to ignore this NRFI play given the talent on the mound.
Braves vs. Mets NRFI (-135)
Let’s head to Citi Field, where the Mets are in desperate need of a win. Unfortunately for New York’s slumping offense, a date with Spencer Strider is no walk in the park. It’s been a difficult 2025 campaign for the righty, who has battled injuries and underperformance. Still, the All-Star’s season-long numbers aren’t bad by any means: 4.04 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 10.7 K/9 ratio. The 26-year-old has surrendered a first inning run in just four of his 15 appearances.
If the Mets have any shot at breaking out of their recent slump, they’ll need a stellar pitching performance. Fortunately for New York, Clay Holmes has been terrific this season. The reliever-turned-starter has exceeded most expectations, logging a career-high 122.1 innings. During that time, he’s notched a 3.46 ERA and a phenomenal 1.96 first inning ERA. The Braves already had issues at the plate prior to losing Austin Riley (abdominal) and Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf). Without two of its best bats, this Atlanta offense is a bad bet against a solid hurler such as Holmes. Expect a low-scoring evening in Queens.
Padres vs. Giants NRFI (-140)
We’ll wrap things up in California, where the Padres hope to close ground with the NL West-leading Dodgers. San Diego made a move to bolster its rotation last month, dealing for Brewers starter Nestor Cortes. The former All-Star has battled through injuries all season, making just three appearances. His numbers during that time (7.11 ERA) aren’t the most impressive. Still, the southpaw allowed only two runs in 4.2 innings during his team debut last week. Tonight, he’ll face a Giants offense that has put up baseball’s ninth-highest NRFI rate (73.11%). In addition, San Francisco owns the league’s worst OPS vs. left-handed pitching (.608).
Facing the Padres will be former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray. This season has been a return to form for the righty, now fully healthy. Through 142.0 innings of work, he’s recorded a 2.85 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 148 strikeouts. What’s been most remarkable about the veteran is his consistency; he’s allowed more than three runs in just two of 24 outings. It all starts in the first inning, where Ray possesses a 3.00 ERA. In comparison, San Diego’s offense is tied for baseball’s fourth-highest NRFI rate (73.95%). Cortes’ lack of work this season is a concern, but neither of these offenses are in a grove. Keeping that in mind, this matchup offers one of Tuesday’s most promising NRFI bets.
