A 12-game MLB slate is on tap for Thursday. 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 on Thursday?
Ahead of today’s Major League Baseball contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best NRFI Prop Bets Today
| Game | Pitching Matchup |
| Guardians vs. Red Sox NRFI (-165) | Espino vs. Suarez |
| Padres vs. Dodgers NRFI (-130) | Pivetta vs. Glasnow |
Guardians vs. Red Sox NRFI (-165)
Daniel Espino takes the mound for Cleveland tonight, making just his third start of the season. All things considered, it’s been a mediocre 2026 campaign from the righty, albeit in limited action. Through 13.1 innings pitched, he’s on the hook for a 4.73 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 22 strikeouts (14.9 K/9). However, this pick is more about fading his opposition tonight. The Red Sox are struggling at the plate in recent weeks. Since the start of September, the team ranks 24th in the majors with an 88 wRC+ in the first inning. In addition, Boston is tied for the league’s second-lowest YRFI rate (24.68%).
As for the home team, Ranger Suarez will get the nod this evening. The southpaw has had a solid debut campaign in Beantown. Over 143.1 innings of work (27 starts), he’s put up a 3.27 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 135 strikeouts (8.5 K/9). During that time, he’s accounted for a solid 77.8% NRFI rate as well. The Guardians wield one of baseball’s least-intimidating lineups, ranking 26th in runs per game (4.13). To boot, Cleveland’s .672 OPS against left-handed pitching is fourth-lowest in the big leagues. Keeping that in mind, an above-average arm such as Suarez should keep this group scoreless to start tonight’s contest.
Padres vs. Dodgers NRFI (-130)
The Padres are one win away from clinching a playoff berth. However, today’s game against the Dodgers could prove difficult. Fortunately, standout hurler Nick Pivetta is on the bump. It’s been an injury-plagued 2026 for the right-hander, one of San Diego’s most talented arms. When healthy, the veteran remains a force on the mound (3.30 ERA, 1.00 WHIP). Since returning from the injured list earlier this month, Pivetta has allowed three earned runs over 13.0 innings pitched (1.93 ERA). LA hitters are batting .222 in the first inning during the month of September, seventh-worst in the league during that time.
As for the Dodgers, they’ll counter with a stellar pitcher of their own in Tyler Glasnow. The right-hander, much like Pivetta, has been sidelined by several injuries. When healthy, he possesses wipeout stuff. Through 67.2 innings pitched, he’s recorded a 3.46 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 87 strikeouts (11.6 K/9). Even more important, Glasnow is responsible for a sparkling 80% NRFI rate over the past two seasons. San Diego is on the hook for a National League-worst 24.68% YRFI rate as well.
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