A full 15-game, 30-team slate sets the stage on Tuesday for another jam-packed evening across Major League Baseball. The quickest way for bettors to cash in comes via NRFIs. No runs in the first inning can be risky, depending on the odds and which teams are involved. Some pitchers thrive early, while others are more prone to early struggles. Which NRFI bets should you consider before the start of today’s contests?
Ahead of Tuesday’s MLB action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Red Sox vs. Twins NRFI (-140)
It’s been a shaky start for the 6-10 Red Sox, currently last place in the AL East. One aspect of Boston’s season that has gone right is Sonny Gray. The three-time All-Star, traded this offseason from St. Louis, has been solid thus far. Through 16.1 innings in Beantown, he owns a 2.76 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and ten strikeouts. That includes 6.1 scoreless frames last week against the Brewers; this evening’s matchup looks easier on paper. In 2025, Minnesota’s offense posted a dismal 24.69% YRFI rate at home, tied for fifth-worst in baseball.
For the Twins, it’ll be unproven youngster Mick Abel toeing the slab. Acquired last summer from Philadelphia, the former top prospect has had trouble adjusting to the majors. Over 52.1 career innings pitched, the right-hander has posted a dismal 6.08 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 52 strikeouts. With that being said, Abel typically comes out of the gates firing. In ten career starts, the 24-year-old has allowed a first inning run only once (90.0%). In comparison, Boston’s lineup has scored in the first just three times this season (18.75%). Keeping that in mind, the odds are trending towards another slow start for the visitors.
Mariners vs. Padres NRFI (-145)
At this point, it’s impossible to deny that Bryan Woo is one of the game’s top hurlers. Over the past two seasons, he’s accounted for a 2.81 ERA, 9.45 K/9 ratio and 0.91 WHIP. That last mark is the second-best in baseball during that time, behind only Tarik Skubal (0.90). If there’s one weakness for Seattle’s ace, he can take some time getting into a groove. Woo has delivered a decent, but not great, 63.3% NRFI rate in 2025. Still, it’s not as if the Padres are the most intimidating lineup. San Diego has a 12.50% YRFI rate this year, third-worst in the league.
Woo won’t be the only difference maker taking the hill at Petco Park. Michael King, when healthy, is nothing short of electric. Since the start of his Padres tenure in 2024, the righty owns a 3.11 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 10.0 K/9 ratio. Throughout his eight-year career, the veteran has produced a stellar 70.2% NRFI rate as well. Last season, the Mariners did hit better away from home. However, tonight’s matchup will take place in another pitcher’s park. To boot, Seattle is averaging an MLB-worst 2.17 runs per game on the road this season. King is set up nicely to pick up three quick outs.
Mets vs. Dodgers NRFI (-145)
Arguably the most star-studded matchup on today’s slate, Tuesday has the feel of a potential playoff preview. For the underdog Mets, Nolan McLean will be tasked with slowing down the defending champs. Fortunately for New York, the rookie has stuff that can dominate against just about anyone. During his 64.2 career innings, McLean has a 2.23 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 77 strikeouts. That includes a 72.7% NRFI mark in that time. Los Angeles’ lineup, for all its greatness, isn’t infallible. The Dodgers have a 30.0% YRFI rate at home this season, only 15th-best in baseball.
In the top half of the inning, it’ll be none other than Yoshinobu Yamamoto. LA’s ace has been as advertised since coming stateside in 2024. The Japanese fireballer has put up a 2.65 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 over three seasons with the Dodgers. Tonight, he’ll battle a Mets lineup currently without slugger Juan Soto (calf). In nine games without the outfielder, New York’s offense is only averaging 3.0 runs. That doesn’t bode well against most pitchers, let alone a Cy Young candidate. Expect Yamamoto to hit the ground running on Tuesday.
