15 games between 30 teams are set for Friday across Major League Baseball. 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.

Marlins vs. Mets NRFI (-135)

Few pitchers have boosted their stock over the past two months like Max Meyer. The former top prospect has always had talent, but injuries got in the way throughout his four-year career. This season, the right-hander is finally putting it all together. Through 60.2 innings of work, he’s notched a 2.52 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 68 strikeouts (10.1 K/9). That includes seven shutout innings last week against none other than the Mets. New York is averaging 3.82 runs per game, fourth-fewest in baseball. Meyer has given up a first inning run twice over 11 starts (81.8% NRFI).

For the home team, Freddy Peralta will take the mound on Friday. On an otherwise dismal Mets squad, their newly acquired ace continues to perform. Over 11 appearances this season, the right-hander has posted a 3.52 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 63 strikeouts (9.2 K/9). Although the Dominican has had trouble pitching deep into games, that’s not an issue for the sake of this bet tonight. After all, Peralta has only allowed one first inning run in 2026 (90.9% NRFI). In fact, the two-time All-Star owns a stellar 86% NRFI rate during the past two seasons. That alone is enough to back the veteran at Citi Field against a middling Miami lineup.

Royals vs. Rangers NRFI (-125)

While it isn’t a huge sample size, Stephen Kolek is cementing himself as a rotation mainstay in Kansas City. In nine starts over the last two seasons with the Royals, he’s produced a 2.29 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 95 strikeouts (6.8 K/9). To boot, the righty has gone ten straight games without allowing a first inning run. There’s a good chance that continues tonight at pitcher-friendly Globe Life Field. The Rangers are averaging an MLB-worst 3.08 runs per game at home this season. To make matters worse, Texas’ offense owns a dismal 16.0% YRFI rate when playing in Arlington.

On the other side, it’ll be MacKenzie Gore toeing the slab for the Rangers. Acquired over the winter from Washington, it’s been a middling start to the southpaw’s Texas tenure. Through 55.0 innings pitched, he’s delivered a 4.42 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 62 strikeouts (10.1 K/9). Granted, the 27-year-old has been much more effective at home (2.63 ERA) than on the road (5.81 ERA). It’s not as if this Kansas City offense is the most intimidating, either. The Royals have accounted for a 23.21% YRFI rate on offense, sixth-worst in baseball. They’re also putting up a .662 OPS against left-handed pitching, ninth-worst in the majors. Add it all up, and Gore is poised for a clean first inning tonight.

Phillies vs. Dodgers NRFI (-120)

In this marquee National League matchup, it’ll be Zack Wheeler on the bump for Philadelphia. Since making his season debut at the end of April, the three-time All-Star has been his usual dominant self. Over six outings, he’s produced a 1.67 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 36 strikeouts (8.6 K/9). The 35-year-old comes into this one having allowed one combined run over his last three contests. Granted, similar success is no guarantee against the Dodgers, still one of baseball’s most dangerous lineups. Regardless, Wheeler has surrendered one earned run or fewer in three of his last four meetings with LA. It’s worth noting that the defending champs average more runs per game on the road (6.07) than at home (4.57).

Los Angeles will counter with an unexpected pitching breakout, Justin Wrobleski. Through nine appearances (eight starts), he’s recorded a 3.07 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 31 strikeouts (5.0 K/9). Despite the lack of whiffs, the third-year pro has excelled with his command (6.2% BB). That could help him tonight against a Phillies lineup averaging the fifth-fewest walks per game (2.96). In addition, Philadelphia owns a mediocre .673 OPS against left-handers this season. That’s the 13th-worst mark among all 30 MLB clubs. Over five career starts at Dodger Stadium, Wrobleski has yet to allow a first inning run. That bodes well for his chances at a similar showing on Friday.

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