MLB Weekend Preview Podcast
Podcast: RJ Bell's Dream Preview – MLB Edition
? Hosts: Munaf Manju & Griffin Warner
Focus: Friday night games, final weekend of June
This comprehensive breakdown extends the original podcast transcript into a long-form analysis, covering betting advice, player performance, team trends, and statistical insights. Each matchup is assessed through the hosts’ commentary, organized in order of appearance and timestamped.
New York Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates
? 0:56–3:51
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Pitchers: David Peterson (Mets) vs Mitch Keller (Pirates)
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Munaf emphasizes Mitch Keller’s dismal home record: 2–8 straight up, 0–10 on run line. David Peterson showed flashes despite recent poor form and has previously held the Pirates to two earned runs across six innings.
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Griffin notes the Pirates’ lineup is reliant on Nick Gonzalez, with O'Neil Cruz leading in strikeouts.
Betting Takeaway: Mets -1.5 at even money recommended by Munaf due to Pirates’ failure against left-handed pitching (7–12 record) and Keller’s lack of run support.
Oakland A’s vs New York Yankees
? 3:51–5:24
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Pitchers: Mitch Spence (A’s) vs Will Warren (Yankees)
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Spence is a lower-tier starter not missing many bats, a liability in Yankee Stadium.
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Warren’s games initially trended over but recent starts have leaned under, thanks to tighter Yankees pitching.
Betting Takeaway: Yankees should win, but moneyline too high. Run line suggested as the safer value if Warren performs.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles
? 5:25–8:07
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Pitchers: Ryan Pepiot (Rays) vs Tomoyuki Sagano (Orioles)
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Griffin doubts Sagano’s readiness, noting the club gave him extra rest.
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Munaf notes Pepeo's road splits: 1–4 record but 5–0 to the under in five road starts; has received just 3 runs of support in last 4 road games.
Betting Takeaway: Under 9 is preferred, especially given Orioles’ offensive injuries and Pepeo’s road unders trend.
San Diego Padres vs Cincinnati Reds
? 8:07–10:39
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Pitchers: Dylan Cease (Padres) vs Nick Martinez (Reds)
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Martinez has historically struggled vs Padres: 0–3 W/L, 14 hits and 8 ER in 9.2 IP across 2 starts.
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Cease is a top-tier talent but depends on slider effectiveness.
Betting Takeaway: Lean Padres unless price gets too high (> -140); concern remains around Padres’ offense.
Toronto Blue Jays vs Boston Red Sox
? 10:39–13:14
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Pitchers: José Berríos (Blue Jays) vs Brayan Bello (Red Sox)
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Bello is in strong form (13 IP, 1 ER in last 2 starts).
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Berríos has dominated Boston this season (13.2 IP, 3 ER, 2 wins).
Betting Takeaway: Munaf supports Blue Jays ML; Griffin leans Red Sox if Toronto flips to underdog.
St. Louis Cardinals vs Cleveland Guardians
? 13:14–16:04
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Pitchers: Sonny Gray (Cardinals) vs Luis Ortiz (Guardians)
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Gray's road ERA: 5.88, but form has improved.
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Ortiz has decent home ERA (3.00) but poor W/L (1–4), showing inconsistency.
Betting Takeaway: Back Cardinals ML due to Gray’s recent excellence and Guardians bullpen decline.
San Francisco Giants vs Chicago White Sox
? 16:04–18:39
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Pitchers: Landen Roupp (Giants) vs Aaron Civale (White Sox)
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Griffin notes White Sox are 5–0 at home on Fridays; Civale solid vs Giants.
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Roupp is alternating good/bad starts.
Betting Takeaway: White Sox as home dog based on trend and Civale’s matchup history.
Seattle Mariners vs Texas Rangers
? 18:39–20:55
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Pitchers: Logan Gilbert (Mariners) vs Nathan Eovaldi (Rangers)
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Gilbert has been elite vs Rangers (5–2, 2.54 ERA).
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Game expected to be low scoring due to strong pitching.
Betting Takeaway: Griffin’s Best Bet – Under 8
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Kansas City Royals
? 20:55–23:58
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Pitchers: Dustin May (Dodgers) vs Noah Cameron (Royals)
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Cameron has been decent but inconsistent.
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May’s road ERA is a worrying 5.94.
Betting Takeaway: Over 9.5 and Dodgers team total over.
Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros
? 23:58–26:37
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Pitchers: Cade Horton (Cubs) vs Brandon Walter (Astros)
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Horton still developing; Astros’ bullpen among MLB’s best.
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Walter was roughed up in last start but solid at home.
Betting Takeaway: Astros ML as small home dog based on bullpen trust and recent form.
Washington Nationals vs Los Angeles Angels
? 26:37–28:56
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Pitchers: Jake Irvin (Nats) vs José Soriano (Angels)
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Soriano has 2 ER over last 3 starts with 10+ Ks in two of them.
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Line too high for Soriano; possible regression.
Betting Takeaway: Lean Nats ML for value; price on Angels too inflated.
Miami Marlins vs Arizona Diamondbacks
? 28:56–31:03
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Pitchers: Eury Pérez (Marlins) vs Merrill Kelly (D-Backs)
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Pérez on innings limit post-TJ surgery.
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Kelly inconsistent but capable; D-Backs offense hurt by injuries.
Betting Takeaway: Over 9 or D-Backs team total over.
Best Bets Recap
Final Notes
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Munaf on a 4-game best bet winning streak.
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Both hosts encourage using promo code "BASEBALL15" at Pregame.com.
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Emphasis placed on not just betting lines but nuanced team insights, bullpen performance, injury impacts, and matchup histories.