Nine games between 18 teams make up Thursday’s MLB slate. That means ample opportunity is on hand for bettors. For those looking to cash in quick, 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. Keeping that in mind, which NRFI bets stand out today?

Ahead of Thursday’s MLB contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Twins vs. Mets NRFI (-150)

At long last, the Mets have broken their torturous 12-game losing streak. However, the Amazin’s recent success might be short lived. Toeing the slab this evening for the visiting Twins will be All-Star Joe Ryan. Through 27.1 innings this season, the right-hander has posted a 3.29 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 28 strikeouts. Tonight, he’ll take on a Mets lineup averaging 3.25 runs per game, worst in baseball. In addition, Ryan owns a career 73% NRFI rate. New York’s offense will be without one of its best players tonight as well in Francisco Lindor (calf).

For the Metropolitans, it’ll be Christian Scott on the hill. Over nine career starts in the majors, the righty has notched a 4.56 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Even more important, he tends to do well at the start of games. Scott has allowed a first inning run only once during those nine outings (88.9%). On the flip side, Minnesota’s bats have been far more potent at home. The Twins have accounted for a paltry 9.09% YRFI rate on the road, tied for fourth-lowest in the majors. Even if they eventually get to Scott, the youngster has a decent shot at escaping the first unscathed.

Pirates vs. Rangers NRFI (-125)

In this interleague showdown, Bubba Chandler will get the nod for Pittsburgh. The former top prospect has had a solid month of April, albeit not without some hiccups. In 20.0 innings pitched, he’s produced a 3.15 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 17 strikeouts. Erratic control, as is the case for many young starters, has held Chandler back. Still, he tends to lose focus as the game goes on. The righty’s NRFI rate, dating back to last season, is a sparkling 88%. On the other end, Texas is scoring baseball’s fewest runs per game at home (2.63). The spacious confines of Globe Life Field certainly haven’t helped in terms of offensive production. The park ranked as the league’s sixth-most pitcher-friendly venue in 2025, per Savant.

To counter Pittsburgh’s young hurler, the Rangers will trot out none other than Jacob deGrom. The two-time Cy Young winner remains an absolute force when healthy. Through four starts, he’s provided a 2.29 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 25 strikeouts as Texas’ clear-cut ace. The Pirates have been a pleasant surprise so far, due in part to a better than expected offense. The Buccos are currently putting up the seventh-most runs per game in baseball (5.08). However, it’s not as if they’ve faced great pitching for most of the season. Given deGrom’s track record, I’m willing to bet the veteran picks up three quick outs on Thursday.