This weekend starts in style with a 15-game, 30-team slate on Friday. 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.

Phillies vs. Marlins NRFI (-135)

The NL East has been a major disappointment, other than the Braves. That includes Philadelphia, a club with title aspirations that has fallen flat on its face. Phillies fans shouldn’t give up hope just yet, however. The return of ace Zack Wheeler could help spark this club. The right-hander made his season debut last week, tossing five innings of two-run ball against Atlanta. Since 2025, the three-time All-Star has notched an 80.0% NRFI rate. In addition, he’s posted a 3.47 ERA over his last six outings vs. Miami.

As for Miami, it’ll be staff ace Eury Perez toeing the slab tonight. It’s been an up and down campaign for the 23-year-old so far. Through 31.1 innings of work, he’s accounted for a 4.60 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 33 strikeouts. With that being said, most of Perez’s struggles have come in the middle of games. Over six appearances this season, he’s allowed two first inning runs (3.00 ERA). It helps that Philadelphia has been absolutely dreadful at the plate. The Phillies are posting 3.81 runs per game, third-worst in baseball. In addition, tonight’s game takes place at pitcher-friendly LoanDepot Park. These two talented arms are well positioned for a clean first inning.

Giants vs. Rays NRFI (-145)

San Francisco, per usual, struggles to hit but excels on the mound. Robbie Ray has been one of the better members of this above-average pitching staff. The former Cy Young winner has recorded a 2.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 35 strikeouts over six starts this season. Even more important, he’s usually solid at the start of games. During 38 appearances since 2025, Ray’s first inning ERA sits at 2.61. Tampa Bay’s lineup has delivered MLB’s 11th-lowest YRFI rate this season (26.67%). As a team, the Rays are batting .225 over their last ten contests.

Tampa will hand the ball to another Cy Young winner in Shane McClanahan. The fourth-year pro, when healthy, is among the American League’s best hurlers. He’s been good to start 2026, posting a 3.91 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 25 strikeouts through 23.0 innings. Sugar Shane has a career 86% NRFI rate when pitching at Tropicana Field. In comparison, the Giants have produced baseball’s eighth-lowest on-base percentage against left-handed pitching (.306). San Francisco also ranks last in the league with 3.35 runs scored per game.

Royals vs. Mariners NRFI (-160)

It’s a battle between aces this evening in the Pacific Northwest. For the visitors, it’ll be Cole Ragans on the hill. It’s been a mixed bag for the 28-year-old so far. Despite a middling 5.00 ERA, he’s shown some flashes of greatness over the past month. That includes a six-inning, 11-strikeout masterpiece last week vs. the Angels. Seattle is only averaging 4.19 runs per game, 21st in the league. A date at T-Mobile Park, a pitcher’s haven, should only help Ragans. The right-hander has a 2.53 ERA over three career games against the Mariners.

Ragans will have to be at his best tonight considering his competition. The Mariners are handing the ball to Bryan Woo, already one of baseball’s elite starting pitchers. During 35.0 innings this season, the All-Star has notched a 3.86 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 27 strikeouts. The righty should be licking his chops going into this one, as well. Kansas City is averaging an MLB-worst 2.60 runs per game on the road. The Royals are also last in the league with a 12.90% YRFI rate. That’s not ideal against anyone, let alone one of the sport’s best arms. A clean first inning feels incredibly likely for Seattle’s ace.