Best NRFI Bets Today: Shohei Ohtani Takes the Mound

Friday's MLB schedule features several intriguing pitching matchups, giving NRFI bettors plenty of opportunities to target scoreless first innings. Shohei Ohtani headlines the slate, and he should be dominant against the Padres. 

The Red Sox and Angels feature two pitchers who have done an excellent job limiting baserunners as well.

Best NRFI Bets for Friday, July 3

Odds for today's NRFIs are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook. Sign up for a DraftKings account today and claim your welcome bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly. More info on this offer can be found in our detailed DraftKings Sportsbook review.

If you are in a state where DraftKings Sportsbook is not yet legal, we recommend trying Kalshi, one of the best prediction markets in the US. Sign up using Kalshi promo code WSN to get a $10 bonus after making 100 contracts.

Red Sox vs. Angels - Jake Bennett vs. Reid Detmers (9:40 PM EST)

Friday’s Red Sox vs. Angels game features two left handers who have consistently kept hitters from doing serious damage.

Under 0.5 Run (-140) at DraftKings

Jake Bennett has impressive in limited action, posting a 3.27 ERA and 1.06 WHIP through 33 innings. He's allowed only 28 hits while issuing just seven walks, showing excellent command for a young starter. 

Keeping runners off the bases has been a major reason for his early success. He doesn’t throw very hard, but he is exceptional with his location. 

Reid Detmers has quietly turned in one of his better seasons, recording a 3.88 ERA with a matching 1.06 WHIP across 99.2 innings. The strikeout numbers stand out, as he's fanned 112 hitters while allowing only 75 hits all year. 

That swing and miss ability makes him a difficult matchup for any lineup the first time through the order. With both pitchers limiting baserunners and missing bats, I like the chances of a scoreless first inning.

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly at DraftKings

Padres vs. Dodgers - Michael King vs. Shohei Ohtani (10:10 PM EST)

The premier matchup on Friday's slate takes place in Los Angeles.

Under 0.5 Run (-115) at DraftKings

Michael King has once again been a dependable arm for San Diego, posting a 3.55 ERA while holding opponents to 75 hits over 96.1 innings. His ability to pitch out of traffic has helped him consistently avoid early trouble despite facing some of the league's toughest offenses.

On the other side is Shohei Ohtani, who has been nearly untouchable this season. The Dodgers superstar owns an 8-2 record with a sparkling 1.58 ERA and 0.90 WHIP through 79.2 innings. 

He's surrendered just 48 hits while striking out 86 batters, making him one of the strongest NRFI pitchers in baseball.

Whenever Ohtani takes the mound, the first inning deserves a serious look, and with King capable of matching him early, this is one of my favorite NRFI plays of the night.

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Brewers vs. Diamondbacks - Kyle Harrison vs. Jose Cabrera (9:45 PM EST)

Milwaukee and Arizona close the night with another intriguing pitching matchup.

Under 0.5 Run (-115) at DraftKings

Kyle Harrison has enjoyed a breakout season, compiling an 8-1 record with a 2.57 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across 77 innings. He's struck out 96 batters while allowing only 61 hits, consistently keeping opposing offenses from generating early momentum.

Jose Cabrera has made only a handful of appearances, but he's looked comfortable with a 3.60 ERA through his first 10 innings. While the sample size remains small, he's shown enough command to believe he can navigate one trip through Milwaukee's lineup.

Harrison gives this play a high floor, and if Cabrera continues his solid start to the season, I like the NRFI. 

Bet $5 at DraftKings and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Best YRFI Bet

• Twins vs. Yankees - Mike Paredes vs. Gerrit Cole: This is my favorite YRFI play on Friday's card. Mike Paredes has shown flashes, but he's still working through his first full season in the majors and has already allowed four home runs in just over 25 innings. An early mistake could lead to a big mistake.

Claim $200 in Bonus Bets at DraftKings with a $5 Wager