An 11-game, 22-team slate makes up Thursday’s MLB action. For those looking to cash in quickly on a bet, nothing makes more sense than an NRFI. With that being said, there’s more to this one than meets the eye. Some pitchers thrive early, while others take more time to get settled in than others. Which NRFI picks are worth a closer look today?
Ahead of Thursday’s MLB contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Phillies vs. Red Sox NRFI (-165)
Pitching has been a major factor behind Philadelphia’s midseason resurgence. However, that hasn’t been the case for Jesus Luzardo. Acquired in 2025, the right-hander enjoyed a stellar debut campaign (3.92 ERA, 1.22 WHIP). Unfortunately, he’s stumbled out of the gate to start this season. Through 43.2 innings, Luzardo owns a 5.77 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 57 strikeouts. With that being said, the former All-Star remains a terrific NRFI target. In eight starts, he’s allowed a first inning run only once (87.5%). On the flip side, Boston’s offense is tied for an MLB-worst 9.52% YRFI rate at home.
As for the Red Sox, it’ll be Ranger Suarez toeing the slab. It’s been a terrific first month for the veteran hurler (2.77 ERA, 0.95 WHIP). Now, he’ll get a chance to take the mound against his old club. Despite some recent improvement, the Phillies still rank 26th in the majors with 4.02 runs per game. To boot, Philadelphia has accounted for the league’s tenth-lowest OPS against left-handed pitching (.660). Since 2025, Suarez has notched an impressive 85% NRFI rate. That bodes well for his chances this evening at Fenway Park.
Giants vs. Dodgers NRFI (-145)
If the Giants are going to be competitive this season, it’ll be due to their pitching. Fortunately for San Francisco, Landen Roupp is looking the part of a frontline starter. During 43.2 innings of work, the righty has recorded a 3.09 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 51 strikeouts. Navigating a loaded Dodgers lineup is no walk in the park, though. With that being said, Roupp has had some recent success in this spot. The third-year pro has given up two earned runs over his last two meetings with Los Angeles (1.64 ERA). In addition, the defending champs have scored the fourth-fewest runs in baseball (13) over their last five contests.
As for LA, it’ll be Emmet Sheehan on the bump in this one. It’s fair to say the right-hander has fallen short of preseason expectations. Through seven outings, he’s produced a 4.79 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 43 strikeouts. Still, there’s undeniable talent here for the 26-year-old. It’s worth noting that Sheehan pitches much better at Dodger Stadium (3.98 ERA) than he does on the road (5.87 ERA). To make things more enticing, this is an opponent he’s dominated in before. Sheehan has an 0.82 ERA over four career matchups with San Francisco. The Giants are averaging an MLB-worst 3.37 runs per game this season.
