Just 12 days remain in the 2025 MLB regular season. As this marathon comes to a close, the time is now for playoff hopefuls to make one last push. All 30 teams playing today are hoping for a quality outing from their starting pitchers. However, getting off to a good start is easier said than done. When looking at NRFI bets (no runs in the first inning), figuring out who thrives early, and who struggles, is crucial.
Ahead of Wednesday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Guardians vs. Tigers NRFI (-135)
Don’t look now, but the Guardians are just two games out of the playoffs. Following Tuesday’s extra-innings victory, Cleveland will try to keep its momentum going tonight. It’ll be staff ace Gavin Williams on the mound, making his 29th start of the season. On the year, he’s notched a 3.16 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 152 strikeouts. Over the righty’s last ten outings, he’s allowed just 15 earned runs (2.28 ERA). When Williams last faced Detroit on July 6th, he tossed six scoreless, one-hit innings.
For the home team, Jack Flaherty will get the nod. It’s been a tumultuous 2025 campaign for the right-hander. Through 151.2 innings of work, he’s posted a 4.69 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 178 strikeouts. Granted, the 29-year-old has gotten a bit unlucky (3.87 FIP). In addition, he owns a respectable 3.72 first inning ERA. Tonight, Flaherty will take on a light-hitting Guardians lineup. Cleveland is averaging just 3.91 runs per game, the fourth lowest mark in baseball.
Padres vs. Mets NRFI (-115)
It was a home run barrage for the Mets last night, who teed off on Padres starter Michael King. Wednesday’s matchup could prove to be more difficult. Toeing the slab will be Nick Pivetta, who has put together a terrific season in San Diego. Over 29 appearances, the righty has put up a 2.73 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 180 strikeouts. In addition, he’s produced a sterling 2.48 first inning ERA. Pivetta has surrendered just seven earned runs over his previous five starts (2.10 ERA).
On the other side, it’ll be David Peterson. The All-Star has regressed during the second half, looking more like an innings eater than an ace. Still, the southpaw has a knack for starting off strong. The 30-year-old’s NRFI rate is currently at 86%. It helps that the Padres have been inconsistent at best on offense. San Diego’s NRFI rate is currently 74.17%, fourth-highest in the league. Even if Peterson struggles tonight, he should escape the first unscathed.
Angels vs. Brewers NRFI (-135)
At this point, there isn’t much left for the Brewers to play for. At 92-59, Milwaukee will likely hold home-field advantage throughout the postseason. If the team wants to win a World Series, getting the most out of Brandon Woodruff is key. Since returning from the injured list midseason, the right-hander has been good (not great). Through 59.2 innings pitched, he’s delivered a 3.32 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 74 strikeouts. Following three rough performances, the veteran tossed six scoreless innings last week vs. Pittsburgh. There’s a good chance that continues against a mediocre Angels lineup.
The bigger question for this NRFI bet will come from the visitors. Los Angeles isn’t exactly known for its starting pitching. Jose Soriano has been one of the more reliable members of this rotation (4.13 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). While those numbers aren’t the most impressive, it’s somewhat misleading. At home, the righty has been awful (5.90 ERA). On the road, he’s accounted for a stellar 2.66 ERA. It helps that the Brewers have similar issues on offense. When playing at American Family Field, Milwaukee’s NRFI rate is a league-worst 81.58%.
