MLB Friday Betting Preview: Expert Picks, Analysis & Best Bets
The latest episode of the MLB betting podcast hosted by Munaf Manji with guest Griffin Warner provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Friday MLB slate. The show dives deep into every matchup with betting odds, pitching matchups, team statistics, and key trends. With a focus on data-driven insights and sharp wagering strategies, listeners get expert commentary and valuable picks to guide their weekend bets.
Riding the Hot Streak
Munaf enters the episode boasting a 5-1 record on best bets this season, attributing the hot start to in-depth analysis and collaboration with Griffin. Both hosts stress the importance of staying grounded and continue aiming to help listeners cash winning tickets.
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks
Pitching Matchup: Colin Rea (CHC) vs. Corbin Burnes (ARI)
Key Stats: Cubs lead MLB in plate appearances with runners in scoring position (258). Chicago has scored 124 runs vs. 104 for Arizona.
Betting Insight: Cubs are home underdogs, and Burnes has been underwhelming. Both hosts lean toward the Cubs, especially depending on Wrigley Field wind direction.
Tigers vs. Royals
Pitching Matchup: Jackson Jobe (DET) vs. Cole Ragans (KC)
Key Stats: Royals scored just 19 runs over their last 10 games. KC is 2-8 on the road this year, 7-3 to the under.
Betting Insight: Detroit offers value as a home underdog. Royals’ offense is extremely limited, relying heavily on Bobby Witt.
? Pirates vs. Guardians
Pitching Matchup: Carmen Mlodzinski (PIT) vs. Luis Ortiz (CLE)
Key Stats: Mlodzinski has a 1.77 WHIP. Pirates 6-4 at home, 6-4 to the over.
Betting Insight: Slight lean to Cleveland due to bullpen strength and familiarity with opposing pitcher.
Phillies vs. Marlins
Pitching Matchup: Zach Wheeler (PHI) vs. Sandy Alcantara (MIA)
Key Stats: Wheeler is 11-4 with a 2.73 ERA in his career vs. Miami.
Betting Insight: Alcantara appears to have lost his edge. Lean on Phillies run line (+110).
? Yankees vs. Rays
Pitching Matchup: Carlos Rodón (NYY) vs. Drew Rasmussen (TB)
Key Stats: Rasmussen has not allowed a run in 21 innings against the Yankees.
Betting Insight: Strong play on Rays first five innings (-110) as Rodón has struggled, allowing 4+ earned runs in three consecutive starts.
Orioles vs. Reds
Pitching Matchup: Cade Povich (BAL) vs. Andrew Abbott (CIN)
Betting Insight: Orioles offense is surging, while Reds continue to underperform. Suggest team total over and lean Baltimore.
Blue Jays vs. Mariners
Pitching Matchup: Bowden Francis (TOR) vs. Brian Woo (SEA)
Key Stats: Jays are 7-3 at home.
Betting Insight: Jays as home underdogs offer value. Woo struggles on the road.
Mets vs. Cardinals
Pitching Matchup: David Peterson (NYM) vs. Miles Mikolas (STL)
Key Stats: Cardinals are 1-6 on the road.
Betting Insight: Lean Mets run line as STL has lost 3 of 6 road games by 2+ runs.
Braves vs. Twins
Pitching Matchup: Bryce Elder (ATL) vs. Chris Paddack (MIN)
Key Stats: Twins 7-12 with a -13 run differential.
Best Bet: Braves -130. Strong fade of Paddack who has allowed 13 earned runs in 3 starts.
? Dodgers vs. Rangers
Pitching Matchup: Yamamoto (LAD) vs. Jacob deGrom (TEX)
Key Stats: Dodgers continue to dominate; Yamamoto has a 0.91 WHIP.
Betting Insight: Lean Dodgers first five innings; deGrom has struggled to regain elite form.
Padres vs. Astros
Pitching Matchup: Kyle Hart (SD) vs. Spencer Arrighetti (HOU)
Key Stats: Padres are 15-4.
Betting Insight: Padres +123 is a strong value. Astros' bullpen and lineup inconsistencies are a concern.
Brewers vs. A's
Pitching Matchup: Freddie Peralta (MIL) vs. J.T. Ginn (OAK)
Key Stats: MIL is 43-27 SU at home in Peralta starts since 2018.
Betting Insight: Brewers favored but limited value.
? Rockies vs. Nationals
Pitching Matchup: Chase Dollander (COL) vs. MacKenzie Gore (WSH)
Weather: Snow/Rain and 34°F forecast.
Betting Insight: Game might be postponed. If played, Gore’s road struggles are a concern.
Giants vs. Angels
Pitching Matchup: Logan Webb (SF) vs. Tyler Anderson (LAA)
Key Stats: Giants 9-4 SU on road; 8 wins by 2+ runs.
Betting Insight: Giants run line +110 has value. Webb is consistent; offense is red hot.
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