15 games between 30 teams make up Friday’s MLB slate. 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 Friday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Yankees vs. Mets NRFI (-145)

The Subway Series gets started with an intriguing matchup on the mound. It’ll be Cy Young frontrunner Cam Schlittler toeing the slab for the Pinstripes tonight. The right-hander currently leads all American League starters with a 1.35 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 1.5 BB/9 ratio. He’s allowed one earned run or less in seven of his nine outings this season as well. Schlittler hasn’t allowed a first inning run in any of his last five appearances. Despite a recent surge, the Mets are still a lackluster offense at best. Their 3.74 runs per game are tied for the second-lowest mark in baseball, ahead of only the Giants.

On the other side, it’ll be former Yankees closer Clay Holmes toeing the slab. Since converting to a starter last season, the right-hander has become a valued member of this Mets rotation. In 2026, he’s recorded a sparkling 1.86 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 37 strikeouts. When pitching at Citi Field, the two-time All-Star has a 79% NRFI rate. The Yankees are a formidable offense, but they’ve looked off at the plate recently. They’ve scored 14 runs over their last five games, fifth-fewest in the majors during that stretch.

Royals vs. Cardinals NRFI (-120)

It’s another I-70 Series showdown this weekend in St. Louis. For the visiting Royals, Michael Wacha will get the nod on Friday. The veteran has been his usual reliable self this season for Kansas City. The right-hander has produced a 2.63 ERA and 0.99 WHIP through eight appearances. Even more important, the 34-year-old has a knack for starting out strong. Since 2025, he’s delivered an impressive 87% NRFI rate. In comparison, the Cardinals are struggling on offense over the past few weeks. They’ve scored 34 runs over their last ten games, seventh-worst in the league.

For the home team, Dustin May will get the nod. Once a top prospect with the Dodgers, he’s had trouble putting it all together in recent years. The righty has been inconsistent this season, delivering a 4.85 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. It’s worth noting that May has looked much better as of late. He’s surrendered three or fewer runs in each of his previous six starts. That bodes well heading into tonight’s matchup with a mediocre Kansas City lineup. The Royals have posted a 20.45% YRFI rate on offense, sixth-lowest in baseball.

Giants vs. Athletics NRFI (+100)

It’s not the Bay Bridge Series anymore, but a North Cali showdown still means something. In the first of these three games, the Giants will send out Tyler Mahle. When healthy, the 31-year-old is one of the sport’s more underrated hurlers. Granted, he’s underperformed this season (5.18 ERA, 1.49 WHIP). Still, we just need three quick outs tonight from the veteran. Since 2025, Mahle has a solid 3.75 first inning ERA. Despite playing at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park, the A’s own baseball’s 11th-worst YRFI rate at home (26.32%).

Aaron Civale will be on the bump this evening for the Athletics. The eighth-year pro has been a welcome surprise for the AL West leaders so far. Through 41.2 innings pitched, he’s accounted for a 2.59 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 33 strikeouts. The righty won’t need to be at his absolute best tonight when taking on arguably baseball’s weakest lineup. The Giants are averaging an MLB-worst 3.34 runs per game this season. San Francisco is also putting up the league’s third-lowest road YRFI rate (13.64%).