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

A 15-game, 30-team slate is on tap for Tuesday 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 Tuesday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Best NRFI Prop Bets Today

Yankees vs. Guardians NRFI (-115)Cole vs. CecconiRed Sox vs. Rays NRFI (-130)Tolle vs. MartinezReds vs. Padres NRFI (-135)Burns vs. Giolito

So far, so good for Gerrit Cole in his return to the mound. Over three starts this season, the former Cy Young winner owns a 2.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 14 strikeouts (7.0 K/9). Last week, he tossed six innings of three-run ball against Cleveland as well. Throughout his career, Cole has had some issues in the first inning. However, he comes into this one on a six-game NRFI streak. It helps that the Guardians have a 26.47% YRFI rate on offense, eighth-worst in baseball. New York’s ace has what it takes to come through tonight.

On the other side, it’ll be Slade Cecconi toeing the slab for Cleveland. In many ways, the right-hander is the anti-Cole. His struggles often come during the middle innings. Unsurprisingly, the right-hander has posted mediocre numbers this season (4.92 ERA, 1.43 WHIP). Still, he’s accounted for a stellar 81.1% NRFI rate during 53 career starts. Last week, Cecconi allowed one run over six innings on the road vs. New York. Although the Yankees are a threat in the first inning, that doesn’t factor in the absence of Aaron Judge (ribs). Keeping that in mind, the visitors are far from a guarantee in the first this evening.

In a 2026 campaign filled with disappointment, Payton Tolle has been a bright spot for Boston. Over 47.1 innings of work, the rookie has recorded a 2.28 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 51 strikeouts (9.7 K/9). He hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in each of his eight starts. That includes a five-inning, one-run gem against Tampa Bay back on May 10th. The Rays, for all their success, have struggled against southpaws. Their .680 OPS against left-handed pitching ranks as the 11th-worst mark in baseball. Tolle has given up a first inning run only twice this season.

As for the home team, it’ll be Nick Martinez taking the hill on Tuesday. The veteran has been a pleasant surprise, emerging as an All-Star candidate. He’s posted a 2.29 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 42 strikeouts (5.3 K/9). There’s a good chance that success continues tonight against one of the sport’s worst hitting squads. Boston is averaging an American League-worst 3.91 runs per game. To boot, the Red Sox have produced baseball’s fourth-lowest YRFI rate on offense (18.75%). Martinez has surrendered a first inning run only once over 12 starts (91.7% NRFI).

On an injury-depleted Reds rotation, Chase Burns has been a much-needed ace. Through 70.1 innings, the right-hander has notched a 2.05 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 81 strikeouts (10.4 K/9). Over 20 career starts, he’s put up a sparkling 85.0% NRFI rate. Cincinnati’s fireballer should continue to dominate against the light-hitting Padres. San Diego is averaging an MLB-worst 3.80 runs per game. In addition, the Friars rank last in the majors with a .214 batting average, .288 wOBA and .330 wOBAcon. That doesn’t sound like an opponent that’ll give Burns much trouble tonight.

Opposing Burns in this one will be Lucas Giolito. The former All-Star, a midseason signing for San Diego, has been mediocre so far for his new club. Through four starts (16.2 IP), the righty has produced a 4.76 ERA and whopping 1.74 WHIP. Regardless, this isn’t the most intimidating spot for the veteran. Cincinnati is without superstar Elly De La Cruz (hamstring). However, this group wasn’t hitting much even with their franchise cornerstone. The Reds are averaging the ninth-fewest runs per game on the road (4.18). Their 26.15% YRFI rate is also seventh-lowest in the league. At pitcher-friendly Petco Park, Gioltio is capable of a solid first inning.

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