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 MLB Friday Preview — Deep Dive Analysis & Betting Breakdown

RJ Bell’s Dream Preview MLB Podcast with Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner delivered a comprehensive Friday MLB betting preview packed with data, matchup evaluations, betting leans, and sharp insights into player performance, team trends, and key injuries. This summary expands on their full episode to provide a longform, richly detailed analysis for serious bettors and MLB fans.

 Opening Banter & MLB Context (0:10 - 4:39)

The hosts opened with casual banter. Munaf highlighted the stacked sports weekend: NBA Finals, Stanley Cup, UEFA Nations League, UFC, golf, and MLB. Griffin vented about losing a bet when Cal Raleigh hit his shortest home run to kill his under. Wearing his Orioles gear, Griffin noted Baltimore's recent surge (9-2 last 11 games) despite still sitting 11 games under .500, referencing Brandon Hyde’s short-lived managerial success post-2022.

Munaf brought up how Minnesota once turned around a terrible start with a 12-14 game win streak. Griffin recalled massive streaks like Oakland's 20-game run with Tim Hudson, Barry Zito, and Mark Mulder. While discussing Moneyball, Griffin rated it poorly on his personal baseball movie list and joked about Fat Jonah Hill. Griffin also heaped praise on Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, calling him “the best player in baseball.”

 Game-By-Game Betting Breakdown

Phillies vs. Pirates (4:40 - 9:03)

Joe Ross starts for Philly as an opener while Bailey Falter takes the mound for Pittsburgh. Griffin sees Falter as serviceable despite limited strikeout stuff, while Joe Ross has struggled since returning from multiple arm surgeries. Munaf clarifies that Ross has been used in short outings only. Bryce Harper returned for Philadelphia but went just 1-for-9 against Toronto. Both hosts favor the under 9 total given Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles and Ross’s short leash.

Rangers vs. Nationals (9:03 - 13:43)

Patrick Corbin starts for Texas, with Michael Soroka for Washington. Corbin's comeback from being one of MLB’s worst starters is surprising. Soroka has overcome multiple Achilles injuries but remains inconsistent. Griffin likes the Nationals ML as a home underdog and leans over 9.5 due to hot weather increasing scoring at Nationals Park. Munaf emphasizes Texas’ weak 9-20 road record and also supports the first five innings over, Nationals team total over, and Nationals ML.

Red Sox vs. Yankees (13:43 - 19:12)

Walker Buehler gets the start for Boston against Will Warren for New York. Griffin critiques Boston’s player development approach, noting the club's youth lacks minor league polish and suffers under the intense Boston media pressure. Will Warren is coming off a disaster start: 1.1 IP, 7 ER vs. LA. Both Munaf and Griffin expect offense and lean over 9 runs, predicting Rafael Devers could homer. Bullpen inconsistencies add to the appeal of an over wager.

Diamondbacks vs. Reds (19:14 - 23:02)

Eduardo Rodriguez faces Nick Lodolo in Great American Ballpark. Rodriguez has allowed 13 earned runs across his last three starts and struggles with walks, issuing at least 3 BBs in each. Lodolo stands at 4-4 with a 3.10 ERA and is viewed as a future ace alongside Hunter Greene. Griffin leans Reds ML but warns of Cincinnati’s recent offensive slump. Munaf agrees with Griffin on expected scoring, backing both teams to contribute to the over.

Astros vs. Guardians (23:02 - 26:54)

Colton Gordon takes the hill for Houston while Logan Allen starts for Cleveland. Griffin likes Houston’s right-handed bats vs. Allen’s soft lefty approach but notes Cleveland’s strong home form. Munaf is cautious due to Houston’s travel after a rain-delayed night game but agrees Allen could get shelled. Both hesitate but lean Astros if value emerges.

Royals vs. White Sox (26:55 - 29:19)

Seth Lugo starts for Kansas City against Davis Martin for Chicago. Lugo has dominated Chicago in four recent starts, allowing just 3 ER across 29.1 innings. Griffin notes Lugo’s finger issue post-IL return and suggests some over 8 interest. Munaf strongly backs Royals RL (-1.5), emphasizing Lugo’s mastery of Chicago’s lineup. The White Sox, surprisingly, are undefeated at home on Fridays (4-0), but Munaf favors Kansas City’s offense to cover.

Padres vs. Brewers (29:26 - 34:19)

Randy Vasquez faces Chad Patrick. Vasquez has control issues with a 19:8 K:BB ratio earlier in the season and a disturbing HR streak (allowing homers in 5 straight starts). Patrick excels at home (38 IP, 10 ER). Griffin loves the Brewers ML at -142 (Best Bet) due to Milwaukee’s aggressive base stealing against Vasquez’s high WHIP. Munaf adds Brewers first five team total over. Both cite San Diego’s travel fatigue after a draining series with the Giants.

Dodgers vs. Cardinals (34:19 - 39:52)

Justin Robleski faces Sonny Gray. Griffin heavily favors St. Louis as a small home underdog, citing the Dodgers’ bullpen injuries and the Cardinals’ reliable bullpen depth. Injuries to Mookie Betts (broken pinky toe) and Freddie Freeman (ankle) concern both hosts. Munaf supports Over 8.5 runs, expecting both lineups to contribute.

Mets vs. Rockies (42:27 - 47:26)

Kodai Senga takes on Antonio Senzatela, who has a brutal 1-10 record with a 7.14 ERA and 1.98 WHIP. Munaf confidently makes Mets Team Total Over 6.5 his Best Bet, predicting New York to score early and often at Coors Field. Griffin acknowledges Colorado’s rare 3-game win streak but sees no reason to back Senzatela.

Mariners vs. Angels (47:27 - 51:13)

Bryce Miller faces Kyle Hendricks. Miller’s bone spur issue has altered his delivery, raising concerns for Griffin who favors the Angels ML due to LA’s recent offensive surge, including Mike Trout’s HR in his first game back. Munaf shares the same lean toward Angels ML and envisions early scoring.

Braves vs. Giants (51:14 - 55:24)

Spencer Schwellenbach (22 Ks in 2 starts) faces Hayden Birdsong (3-0 to the under as a starter). Griffin likes the Giants ML and Under 7.5 total, citing Atlanta’s fatigue and San Francisco’s bullpen depth. Munaf agrees, noting both starting pitchers’ strong current form.

 Best Bets Recap

Griffin: Brewers ML -142
Munaf: Mets Team Total Over 6.5

 Closing Promotions

The hosts reminded listeners to visit Pregame.com and use promo code STRIKE20 for 20% off premium betting picks, with Griffin’s packages prominently featured.