MLB Friday Best Bet: Why Munaf Manji is Backing the Rays Over the Yankees

On RJ Bell’s Dream Preview Podcast, sports betting expert Munaf Manji delivered his MLB Friday Best Bet, focusing on the matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees. In a detailed breakdown, Munaf shifts his stance from previously backing the Yankees to now fading them in favor of the Rays. This article explores the rationale, player analysis, and betting strategy he discussed.

Betting Context: Strategic Reversal

Munaf opens by acknowledging his change in approach. He previously backed the Yankees but is now betting against them due to recent performance trends. Specifically, he wants to "avenge" a prior loss involving the Rays and trusts they will perform better this time.

He emphasizes that he is not betting on the full game outcome, but rather the first five innings. This isolates the influence of starting pitchers, a crucial component of this particular game’s dynamics.

Live Odds and Market Movement

At the time of the podcast, BetOnline had the Tampa Bay Rays at -105 on the first five innings moneyline. While discussing the bet, the odds shifted to -110, possibly reflecting betting momentum or the podcast’s real-time influence on public betting behavior. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of the market and adds urgency to capitalizing on favorable lines early.

Pitching Breakdown: Fading Carlos Rodón

Munaf's primary reason for fading the Yankees is the current form of their starting pitcher, Carlos Rodón. He calls Rodón’s early-season performance “atrocious” and supports that claim with specific stats:

• Rodón has allowed at least 4 earned runs in three consecutive starts.

• The Yankees have lost all three of those games.

This trend makes Rodón a liability in the first five innings, and bettors are advised to fade him until his form improves.

Betting on Excellence: Drew Rasmussen

On the other side of the mound is Drew Rasmussen, who has an outstanding history against the Yankees. Munaf lays out the data clearly:

• 21 innings pitched across four career appearances vs. Yankees.

• Zero earned runs allowed.

• A 2-0 win-loss record.

Rasmussen’s clean record against the Yankees — including games from 2021, 2022, and two in 2023 — positions him as a reliable performer. Munaf uses this track record as the cornerstone of his betting logic.

First Five Innings: The Strategic Play

Focusing on the first five innings bet allows Munaf to capitalize on Rasmussen's strong starts and Rodón's struggles. It avoids bullpen performance, late-game variability, and narrows the outcome window to when the pitching gap is most pronounced.

Final Recommendation

Munaf’s Best Bet for Friday night is:

• Tampa Bay Rays

• First Five Innings Moneyline

• Odds: -110 at BetOnline

He urges listeners to take advantage of Rasmussen’s dominance and Rodón’s ongoing struggles. With early odds movement suggesting betting support for the Rays, this play aligns strong data with favorable market signals.

Conclusion

Munaf Manji’s podcast breakdown offers a textbook case in data-driven betting. By isolating recent pitcher performance, utilizing targeted betting formats, and acting on timely odds changes, he crafts a calculated play that leans on statistical certainty rather than team reputation. The Tampa Bay Rays first five innings moneyline emerges not just as a bet, but as a statement against recent form and in favor of consistent performance.