Just over a week remains in the 2025 MLB regular season. As we near the final stretch, every game counts for teams trying to fight for playoff position. That adds extra importance to Thursday’s starting pitching matchups. For bettors looking to get in on the action, no wager cashes in quicker than an NRFI. No runs in the first inning can flame out in minutes, but it can also be profitable if you’re backing the right players. Who can you trust today on the mound?
Ahead of Thursday’s MLB contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Angels vs. Brewers NRFI (-125)
Once again, the Brewers dominated last night en route to a 9-2 victory. Milwaukee will attempt to pull off a series sweep when they send Quinn Priester to the hill. It’s been a breakout campaign for the righty, who has emerged as a valuable member of this rotation. Through 146.2 innings pitched, he’s recorded a 3.25 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 118 strikeouts. In addition, the 25-year-old hasn’t surrendered a first inning run in any of his previous five outings. His opponent tonight, the Angels, are averaging the seventh-fewest runs per game in baseball (4.23).
For the visitors, it’ll be Yusei Kikuchi toeing the slab. Following a terrific first half, the two-time All-Star has struggled in recent weeks. Regardless, he’s still firmly cemented as Los Angeles’ ace. Over 31 starts, the southpaw has notched a 4.08 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 166 strikeouts. The Halos are hoping that the hurler carries over momentum from last week’s performance vs. Seattle (6.0 IP, 1 ER). It helps that Milwaukee’s lineup owns a league-worst 81.82% NRFI rate at home. In addition, the Brewers are slightly worse when hitting against left-handers. Don’t be shocked if Kikuchi navigates the first inning with ease.
Giants vs. Dodgers NRFI (-125)
Arguably the most important game of the night, this should be another intense Giants-Dodgers grudge match. San Francisco needs a win desperately, and will turn to its best pitcher to do so. Logan Webb is a true workhorse, tossing more innings than any starter since 2022. It’s also worth mentioning that he usually starts games off on a high note. The All-Star owns a stellar 3.19 first inning ERA. Granted, Webb has had issues with the Dodgers this year. However, Los Angeles has failed to score in the first over its previous four games. Against a true frontline starter, there’s a decent chance that continues.
On the other side, it’ll be Yoshinobu Yamamoto on tap for LA. Following a good, not great, rookie season, the right-hander has put it all together in 2025. In 162.1 innings of work, the Japanese ace has posted a 2.66 WERA, 0.98 WHIP and 187 strikeouts. At this point, the 27-year-old’s name should pop up on plenty of Cy Young ballots in November. This is a matchup that Yamamoto has dominated in recently. Over his previous two meetings with San Francisco, the hurler has surrendered one total run over 14.0 innings. More of the same should be expected tonight.
