It’s a Saturday, which means all 30 MLB teams will be in action. With so many matchups, the options are endless for bettors. One of the quickest and most enticing wagers is an NRFI. No runs in the first inning sounds simple on paper. However, this prop bet comes down to understanding which pitchers thrive, and which lineups struggle, early. Which NRFIs are worth betting on today?
Ahead of Saturday’s MLB action, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Braves vs. Phillies NRFI (-135)
It doesn’t mean much in a lost season, but Chris Sale’s return is a welcome sight for Braves fans. The reigning NL Cy Young winner hasn’t pitched since June 18th due to a rib fracture. Now, he’ll be thrown into the fire vs. a loaded Phillies offense. Regardless, the veteran isn’t one to get nervous against any lineup. When Sale last faced Philadelphia on May 29th, he tossed six scoreless innings. Keeping that in mind, the 36-year-old is a good bet to escape the first unscathed.
On the other end, it’ll be Cristopher Sanchez toeing the slab for Philadelphia. It’s been a breakout season for the 28-year-old, owner of a 2.72 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 173 strikeouts. After a brutal start vs. the Mets on Monday (5.1 IP, 6 ER), the All-Star will look to make a statement tonight. Over 26 appearances, the southpaw owns a stellar 2.06 first inning ERA. Unsurprisingly, that’s resulted in an 81% NRFI rate for the All-Star. Another impeccable start is the expectation for Philadelphia’s ace.
Tigers vs. Royals NRFI (-115)
Kansas City’s postseason hopes are alive, three games behind Seattle for the American League’s final wildcard spot. It’s an impressive feat when considering the amount of injuries the Royals have suffered in their rotation. This short-handed pitching staff will need a solid start from Stephen Kolek tonight. Over 79.2 innings, the righty has notched a 4.18 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 56 strikeouts. In three of Kolek’s last four outings, he’s surrendered three runs or less. KC’s opponents tonight, the Tigers, have failed to score in the first over their last seven games.
Detroit enters Saturday looking to earn a series win over its divisional rivals. It’ll be up to Jack Flaherty on the mound. The veteran has had an up-and-down season thus far, alternating between good and bad outings. Unsurprisingly, he owns a middling 4.87 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. With that being said, the right-hander’s NRFI rate currently sits at 81%. The Royals are only averaging 3.90 runs per game, the fourth-lowest mark in baseball. There’s a good chance the Tigers hold them scoreless to start this one.
