As the final week of the MLB regular season approaches, the race for playoff spots intensifies. Fans are gearing up for high-stakes matchups, while bettors seek critical insights to capitalize on the tight race for postseason berths. In the latest episode of RJ Bell’s Dream Preview, Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner dive deep into the crucial games that will determine which teams punch their tickets to the playoffs. Along the way, they explore important player stats, team performances, and betting opportunities.
Key Matchups to Watch
Dodgers vs. Padres: Pivotal Series in the NL West (2:15)
The Dodgers are on the verge of clinching the NL West, but they still face a significant challenge against the Padres. This series has major playoff implications, especially for San Diego, which is desperately trying to gain ground for a wildcard spot. Munaf Manji points out that the Padres, despite their ups and downs this season, could play spoiler. With star players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto leading the offense, the Padres remain a dangerous team, even if their playoff hopes are slim.
On the Dodgers' side, Ryan Pepiot has been a revelation, exceeding expectations with a strong season (7:09). Griffin Warner admitted that while he was initially skeptical of Pepiot’s ability, he now believes the young pitcher is crucial to the Dodgers' late-season success. His fastball-changeup combination has proven effective, and this series will test his resilience against a hungry Padres lineup.
The outcome of this series could have ripple effects beyond just the NL West, as both teams are positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. Bettors should keep a close eye on these games, as the tension between the Dodgers and Padres might create some favorable opportunities for in-game wagers.
Astros vs. Mariners: AL West Drama (5:18)
In the American League, the Houston Astros are still looking to clinch the AL West, but they face a tough challenge against the Seattle Mariners. This series is critical for both teams, with the Astros fighting to hold off the surging Texas Rangers and the Mariners aiming to lock up a wildcard spot.
The Astros’ bullpen has been a concern all season, and it reared its ugly head once again on Monday night, allowing the Mariners to take a 6-1 victory. Munaf highlighted that while Houston’s Hunter Brown gave a solid pitching performance, their relief pitchers coughed up the lead—something that could cost the Astros dearly as they approach the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Mariners have momentum on their side. After firing their manager and bringing in new coaches, they have started to hit the ball well. However, Griffin Warner, who placed a second-half bet on the Mariners missing the playoffs at +135, admitted he’s starting to sweat. The Mariners are playing with renewed confidence, and their ability to keep winning games is making this bet a nail-biter.
The series will likely come down to key matchups between starting pitchers and bullpens. Bettors might find value by betting on the Mariners to keep games close, especially if Houston continues to struggle with closing out games.
Player Stats and Performances
Tarek Skubal: Cy Young Potential? (6:55)
Tarek Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has been nothing short of sensational. Skubal, who Warner describes as a Cy Young candidate, has been a major reason for the Tigers' surprising playoff push. In this week’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, Skubal will once again be asked to deliver a top-tier performance. With an ERA that ranks among the best in the league, he could single-handedly shut down a Rays team that has struggled with runners in scoring position.
Warner is convinced that this game will be low-scoring, with Skubal and the Rays’ Ryan Pepiot both pitching gems. Bettors might want to consider taking the under in this game, as both starting pitchers have been in excellent form.
Ryan Pepiot: A Rising Star (7:09)
Ryan Pepiot has been a key player for the Dodgers' rotation, especially with some of their more established starters missing time due to injury. Pepiot’s ability to mix up his pitches has made him effective in high-pressure situations. With the playoffs looming, Pepiot’s performance in the final week could be crucial for the Dodgers as they look to secure the NL West.
Warner was impressed by Pepiot's turnaround after early struggles, and this week’s series against the Padres will test his growth. If he can continue to dominate on the mound, Pepiot could be a major asset for the Dodgers come playoff time.
Justin Steele: Key to Cubs' Success (10:57)
Justin Steele has been one of the most consistent pitchers for the Chicago Cubs this season. In their upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies, Steele will need to be at his best to help the Cubs stay in the wildcard hunt. Both Warner and Manji agreed that Steele’s ability to limit walks and keep batters off-balance has been critical to the Cubs' recent success.
The Phillies, on the other hand, might be relying on a bullpen game, which could play into the Cubs’ hands. With Steele on the mound, the Cubs have a good chance of coming away with a victory, especially if they can exploit the Phillies’ inconsistent bullpen. Bettors looking for value might consider backing the Cubs in the first five innings, particularly if Steele can keep up his strong form.
Betting Insights and Predictions
Under in Tigers vs. Rays (7:09)
As mentioned earlier, both Munaf and Griffin are high on the under for the Tigers-Rays game. With Tarek Skubal and Ryan Pepiot set to face off, the game has all the makings of a low-scoring pitchers’ duel. The total for this game is set at seven, and Warner believes that taking the under is one of the best bets of the week. Bettors should lock in the under as soon as possible, as sharp money could push the line down.
Under in Braves vs. Mets (27:54)
Another strong recommendation from the co-hosts is the under in the Braves-Mets game. Spencer Schwellenbach, who has been dominant for the Braves this season, will take the mound against Luis Severino. Schwellenbach’s ability to keep the ball in the park and limit scoring opportunities has been key to his success, and with Francisco Lindor potentially missing for the Mets, runs could be at a premium in this matchup.
The under has been a profitable play in games involving Schwellenbach, and with the total set at eight, bettors should consider backing the under in what is expected to be a tense, low-scoring affair.
Mariners to Make the Playoffs? (5:17)
Warner’s second-half bet on the Mariners missing the playoffs is hanging by a thread. Seattle has played well since making coaching changes, and they continue to stay in the thick of the wildcard race. However, Warner is still hopeful that his +135 bet will cash, as the Mariners have a tough schedule ahead, including matchups against the Astros and Rangers.
The Mariners' recent form has made this bet far more interesting than expected, and for those who like to hedge their positions, it might be worth looking into alternative bets that could offset potential losses.
Cubs as Road Favorites (12:37)
In their analysis of the Cubs-Phillies matchup, both hosts agreed that Justin Steele gives the Cubs a significant advantage. Steele has been one of the best pitchers in the league this season, and with the Phillies potentially starting Tanner Banks in a bullpen game, the Cubs are rightly favored. Bettors might find value by backing the Cubs on the road, especially in the first five innings when Steele is most likely to dominate.
Conclusion
As the final week of the MLB regular season unfolds, there’s no shortage of exciting matchups, playoff implications, and betting opportunities. The Dodgers, Padres, Astros, Mariners, Mets, and Braves are all fighting for playoff spots, and individual performances from players like Tarek Skubal, Ryan Pepiot, and Justin Steele will play pivotal roles in determining who makes it to October.
For bettors, this is the perfect time to capitalize on insights gained from player statistics and team dynamics. Whether it’s backing unders in critical games like Tigers-Rays and Braves-Mets or wagering on strong pitching performances from Steele and Pepiot, there are numerous opportunities to make profitable bets in this high-stakes week.
As the postseason approaches, the intensity on the field will only increase, and every game could be the difference between making or missing the playoffs. Keep an eye on the key matchups, bet wisely, and enjoy the final stretch of the MLB season!