MLB: Best No Run First Inning Prop Bets for May 5, 2026

Today’s Top NRFI Picks

The MLB season is an annual marathon that gives us months of daily betting markets to consider. While traditional player props like home runs and strikeouts remain popular options, one market that’s gained steam is betting whether or not no runs will be scored in the first inning — aka a No Run First Inning (NRFI) bet. On FanDuel Sportsbook’s MLB odds, NRFI odds appear as 1st Inning 0.5 Runs under the Innings tab for each MLB game. Please note: lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published.

Astros at Dodgers

Ohtani is 2-1 with a 0.60 ERA across five pitching starts in 2026 and will pitch without DH duties Tuesday, focusing entirely on his performance on the mound. His first-inning profile is the cleanest in baseball. His splitter and seven-pitch arsenal are at maximum deception in the opening frame against cold Houston Astros hitters seeing him for the first time in the current game. Ohtani’s 0.60 ERA through 30 innings reflects almost complete run suppression, and his first-inning work has been the most dominant portion of each start — his velocity is highest, his pitch mix is freshest, and opposing hitters have zero game-day calibration against his release point. Lambert opposes Ohtani with a 3.52 ERA and 6.3 strikeouts per game in three starts, making his first-inning ERA considerably better than his full-game performance. Lambert is a swing-inducing right-hander whose sinker-slider combination plays at its most effective against cold Los Angeles Dodgers hitters who haven’t yet timed his arm. It certainly helps Lambert’s NRFI chances that Ohtani isn’t swinging the bat today. The combination of Ohtani’s historically dominant ERA and Lambert’s efficient first-inning profile creates a solid NRFI.

Texans at Yankess

deGrom carries a 2.01 ERA and 11.4 K/9 through six 2026 starts, and his first-inning work is consistently his most dominant frame. His 94-96 MPH four-seam fastball is at peak velocity in the opening frame, and his slider generates elite chase and swing-and-miss rates against hitters seeing him the first time. The Texas Rangers have historically played small ball and built offense through patience — a plate approach that paradoxically reduces first-inning scoring probability against power arms like deGrom. Texas’s lineup works deep counts and takes pitches rather than attacking first offerings from fresh starters, meaning deGrom can work efficiently through three quick outs with minimal baserunner danger. Elmer Rodriguez is making his second major league start for the New York Yankees, having tossed four innings and allowing two runs on four hits with three strikeouts.