Four days are all that remain until the end of the 2025 MLB regular season. Between now and then, there’s still plenty left to settle on the diamond. Wth so many must-watch matchups, there’s extra scrutiny for the men on the mound. That’s true for both fans and bettors looking to hit on an NRFI wager. Which arms will toss a clean first inning during today’s 12-game slate?
Ahead of Thursday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks NRFI (-115)
A dramatic 5-4 win in extra innings earned the Dodgers a victory last night. LA will attempt to win this series with staff ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the hill. Through 167.2 innings of work, the right-hander owns a 2.58 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 194 strikeouts. In addition, he’s accounted for a solid 3.14 first inning ERA. During the hurler’s last five outings, he’s allowed a total of five earned runs (1.32 ERA).
For the home team, it’ll likely be a bullpen day. The ‘opener’ for Arizona is Jalen Beeks, making his 61st appearance of 2025. So far, it’s been a quality campaign for the starter-turned-reliever (3.67 ERA, 1.08 WHIP). On paper, those numbers might not mean much against a loaded Dodgers offense. However, the lefty has held Los Angeles scoreless six straight times this season. Keeping that in mind, there’s a decent chance Beeks extends that streak tonight.
Mets vs. Cubs NRFI (-120)
The Mets are clinging to a one-game lead in the National League wildcard race. Fortunately for New York, Nolan McLean has emerged as a frontline starter. Over seven outings, the rookie has notched a 1.27 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 46 strikeouts. He’s allowed more than one run only twice during that time. Tonight’s opponent, the Cubs, have scored the tenth-fewest runs in baseball this month (91).
Speaking of Chicago, it’ll be former All-Star Shota Imanaga toeing the slab on Thursday. Over 139.0 innings, the right-hander owns a 3.37 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 114 strikeouts. The 32-year-old has had some issues in the first inning this season (6.75 ERA). Still, the Mets have produced the league’s fifth-highest NRFI rate away from home (75.64%). Expect a solid start from Imanaga during tonight’s contest.
White Sox vs. Yankees NRFI (-115)
Betting against the Yankees, baseball’s highest-scoring offense, is a dangerous proposition. Admittedly, that makes this the riskiest of tonight’s NRFI picks. Still, Thursday’s starter, Davis Martin, is more than capable of picking up three outs unscathed. The right-hander’s first inning ERA is a stellar 3.38. In addition, he owns a career 3.86 ERA over two meetings with New York.
On the other side, it’ll be All-Star Carlos Rodon making his final appearance of the regular season. The left-hander has delivered one of his best years yet. Over 189.1 innings of work, he’s recorded a 3.04 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 198 strikeouts. The same can’t be said of the White Sox. Chicago’s 3.93 runs per game ranks as the third-lowest mark in baseball. Rodon should have no trouble delivering another gem in the Bronx.
