15 games between 30 teams are set for Thursday 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 Thursday’s MLB contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Braves vs. Marlins NRFI (-125)

This NL East showdown features the dominant Braves, looking to earn their third straight victory. Toeing the slab tonight for Atlanta will be one of the team’s best pitchers, Spencer Strider. Through three appearances this season, the sixth-year pro has notched a 2.45 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 18 strikeouts (11.0 K/9). In five outings against the Marlins, he’s produced a stellar 2.38 ERA as well. Miami has managed to record a .695 OPS against right-handed pitching, ninth-worst in baseball. There’s a good chance those struggles continue against one of the National League’s top arms.

On the other side, it’ll be Sandy Alcantara on the bump for the Fish. The former Cy Young winner has had an up and down 2026 campaign so far. Through 63.2 innings of work, he’s accounted for a 3.53 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 45 strikeouts (6.4 K/9). The southpaw has been much better at home (2.95 ERA) than he has on the road (4.50 ERA). The Braves have been an absolute force on offense, but will be without slugger Drake Baldwin (oblique) tonight. During seven career meetings at home against Atlanta, Alcantara has put up a 2.59 ERA. Don’t be shocked if the veteran manages to stifle this star-studded lineup.

Athletics vs. Angels NRFI (-130)

If the A’s are going to compete in the wide-open AL West, it’ll likely come down to their pitching. At this point, it’s difficult to determine who on this roster deserves the title of staff ace. Luis Severino has the best track record among all of the team’s starters. Still, it’s been a disappointing first few months for the 32-year-old. Over 54.2 innings, he’s on the hook with a 4.45 ERA and 1.57 WHIP. With that being said, the veteran has been the victim of hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park. Sevy has been a far more effective pitcher on the road (3.56 ERA). Tonight, he’ll face an Angels squad averaging the sixth-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.98).

Los Angeles will counter Severino with breakout hurler Jose Soriano. After a good, not great, first three years in the pros, he’s taken a major leap this year. Through 59.2 frames, the Dominican has posted a 2.41 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 67 strikeouts (10.1 K/9). In addition, he leads all of baseball with a minuscule 5.7 hits allowed per nine innings. Despite wielding a talented offense, the Athletics usually start off slow. Their 24.49% YRFI rate is tied for the seventh-lowest mark in baseball. Against a budding ace in Soriano, the odds are trending towards another scoreless first inning.

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