Mere days are left in the 2025 MLB regular season. That gives baseball fans several high-stakes matchups worth watching this weekend. For bettors looking to get in on the action, there’s no quicker way to cash in than an NRFI. Which pitchers will give up no runs in the first inning today?
Ahead of Saturday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Astros vs. Braves NRFI (-120)
The Astros earned a much-needed 11-3 win on Friday. Now, Houston will look to pick up two in a row with ace Hunter Brown on the hill. Through 167.2 innings of work, the right-hander has notched a 2.25 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 190 strikeouts. In addition, he owns an 82% NRFI rate through 28 appearances. Brown also owns a respectable 3.21 first inning ERA.
The bigger test for this bet will come during the top half of the inning. Houston’s contact-oriented offense will take on Braves hurler Bryce Elder. The righty hasn’t delivered eye-popping numbers (5.35 ERA, 1.40 WHIP). However, the former All-Star has been on fire recently. Elder has surrendered two earned runs or less in five of his last six outings. Against an inconsistent Astros lineup, expect the 26-year old to pick up three quick outs.
Diamondbacks vs. Twins NRFI (-115)
On a slate filled with impactful matchups, Diamondbacks-Twins doesn’t warrant much attention. Still, opportunistic bettors should give this game a closer look. Toeing the slab for Arizona will be Ryne Nelson, making his 21st start of the season. It’s been a career year for the right-hander: 3.48 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 118 strikeouts. The veteran has accounted for a stellar 85% NRFI rate. That should play well against the Twins, one of baseball’s worst lineups.
If there’s anyone worth the price of admission for Minnesota, it’s Joe Ryan. The All-Star has some of the nastiest stuff in the American League. Through 157.0 innings, he’s recorded a 3.32 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 176 strikeouts. The Diamondbacks wield one of the league’s better offenses. However, they are far more potent at home than they are on the road. Keeping that in mind, I’m willing to bet that the Twins and their ace escape the first inning unscathed.
Dodgers vs. Giants NRFI (-120)
Arguably Saturday’s most important game, tonight’s Dodgers-Giants showdown features two NL West mainstays. For Los Angeles, it’ll be none other than Clayton Kershaw. The future Hall of Famer is no longer an elite arm, but he remains an effective starter. Over 99.0 innings of work, the three-time Cy Young winner has produced a 3.27 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 69 strikeouts. During his previous five meetings with San Francisco, the southpaw has delivered a 1.98 ERA.
Logan Webb will be tasked with silencing this loaded LA offense. Granted, the Dodgers have scored just 39 runs over their last ten games. That’s the tenth-lowest mark in baseball during that time. A date with San Francisco’s ace isn’t ideal for a slumping lineup. This season, Webb has posted a 3.12 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts. His first inning ERA? A solid 3.00. Don’t expect many base runners for Loexs Angeles in this one.
