Bryan Armetta shares his three favorite MLB no run first inning (NRFI) prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Tuesday’s 15-game slate.

We are less than a month away from postseason baseball. Still, there’s plenty of business to settle over the next few weeks. With playoff hopes hanging on what seems like every pitch, it’s a high-stakes September across Major League Baseball. For those looking to get involved in all the action, an NRFI bet might make sense. All bettors need is no runs from each starting pitcher in the first inning. Simple, right? Wrong. Dissecting which hurlers dominate in the first frame, and which struggle, can be a difficult task.

Ahead of Tuesday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.

It’s a lost season for the Braves, made even worse by the abundance of talent on their roster. Several household names have underperformed, including Spencer Strider. The right-hander has struggled to find consistency in 2025. Through 101.1 innings pitched, he owns a 4.97 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 106 strikeouts. However, he’s allowed only four runs over his previous two outings (3.00 ERA). In addition, he enters Tuesday with a five-game NRFI streak. Strider will hope that trend continues against a Cubs offense averaging 3.82 runs per game since August 10th. That’s the fourth-worst mark in all of baseball.

The Cubs will hand the ball to Cade Horton in this one. The rookie has been a revelation, notching a 2.78 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 87 strikeouts in 20 outings. That includes five innings of no-hit ball against Atlanta on September 3rd. On the year, Horton has posted a solid 74% NRFI rate. However, much like Strider, he’s gotten much better in that regard recently. The right-hander comes into tonight on a nine-game NRFI streak. Even against a dangerous Braves offense, I’ll back Chicago’s budding ace.

It’s been a dream season for the Brewers, baseball’s best team. Part of what’s made Milwaukee the league’s cream of the crop is starting pitching depth. Several unheralded hurlers have played major roles for the NL Central leaders. That includes Chad Patrick, making his 21st start of the year tonight. The right-hander has recorded a 3.60 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 106 strikeouts. In addition, he’s put up a stellar 2.25 first inning ERA. Tuesday’s opponent, the Rangers, are averaging baseball’s tenth-fewest runs per game (4.27).

Opposing Patrick tonight will be Texas starter Jack Leiter. It hasn’t always been pretty, but the 25-year-old has turned in a respectable 2025 campaign. Over 25 appearances, he’s delivered a 3.74 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 126 strikeouts. The righty has been especially productive in the second half. Through nine starts since July 21st, Leiter has allowed more than two earned runs only once. During that time, he’s accounted for a pristine 2.66 ERA. The Brewers, for all their success on offense, can sometimes stumble out of the gates. Milwaukee hitters own the league’s third-highest NRFI rate (75.86%).

At this point, every game matters for a Mariners squad attempting to capture the AL West from Houston. Fortunately for Seattle, it’ll be George Kirby on the bump tonight. The former All-Star has been a disappointment for the M’s thus far, owning a 4.47 ERA. That includes allowing seven runs last week vs. the Rays. Regardless, Kirby is still one of the American League’s best pitchers. That’s especially true at the start of games. The right-hander has produced a quality 3.79 first inning ERA. Tuesday’s matchup is ideal, as well. St. Louis’ hitters come into tonight with the league’s second-highest NRFI rate (77.24%).

Matthew Liberatore is on the hill for the Cardinals in this one. Despite a fast start, the 25-year-old has been mostly mediocre in 2025. Over 136.2 innings, he owns a 4.15 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 109 strikeouts. However, his first inning ERA is a more respectable 3.46. Tonight, he’ll take on a Mariners offense that has plenty of issues when playing in the Emerald City. Seattle’s NRFI rate at home is 79.71%, the league’s third-highest mark. Look for St. Louis’ lefty to silence the M’s in the first frame on Tuesday.