Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner get you set for this weekends MLB betting. We kick things off with the Friday games and offer up best bets.
On the May 2 episode of RJ Bell's Dream Preview MLB Podcast, hosts Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner deliver sharp, stats-backed insights across the full Friday MLB slate. With Griffin riding a six-podcast win streak and Munaf at a 7–3 record on the season, both bring analytical edge to betting lines, pitching matchups, and team trends.
They begin with Nationals vs. Reds, with Griffin skeptical of Cincinnati’s high price (-161) and backing underdog Mitchell Parker (+146) despite his weak fielding. Munaf notes the Nationals have won four of his five starts. Next is Padres at Pirates. Cease hasn’t pitched six innings since early April, and Keller’s inconsistency leads both hosts to favor the Pirates at +142.
Diamondbacks vs. Phillies features Jesus Luzardo (1.73 ERA) facing Merrill Kelly. Due to Arizona’s bullpen injuries and Philly’s undervalued pitching, Griffin names Phillies -142 his best bet. In Royals vs. Orioles, Wacha faces off against Kremer, who’s allowed 5 ER in his last two starts. Still, doubts about Kansas City’s offense tip the scale toward Baltimore.
Yankees (-235) host the Rays with Max Fried on the mound. Fried boasts a career 0.42 ERA vs. Tampa. The hosts avoid fading him. Guardians visit the Blue Jays, where Chris Bassitt has allowed only 1 ER in 11 home innings. Logan Allen struggled defensively last game. Munaf leans Jays in the first five.
Twins vs. Red Sox offers value on Boston at -103. Griffin questions Joe Ryan's volatility and trusts Bello’s recent support. For A’s-Marlins, the A’s are road favorites behind debuting Gunnar Hoglund. Griffin calls this mispriced, siding with Miami (+123). Dodgers and Yamamoto face Braves, with Yamamoto holding a 1.06 ERA. Despite a steep -172 price, Munaf backs L.A., while Griffin questions Braves' rare underdog status.
In Astros vs. White Sox, Framber Valdez faces Jonathan Cannon. Given inconsistent Astros bats and Cannon’s walk rate, Munaf avoids the -235 price. Griffin leans under. Mariners at Rangers features Brian Wu vs. Jack Leiter. With Texas 15-2 to the under at home, Munaf’s best bet is under 8.5. Griffin leans Rangers as a home dog.
Cubs vs. Brewers sees Ben Brown against Quinn Priester. Despite Brown’s strikeout potential, Griffin and Munaf both back the Brewers at plus money due to home-field motivation. For Mets vs. Cardinals, Clay Holmes faces Sonny Gray, who has dominated at home. Munaf backs the Cardinals citing Gray’s form.
In Tigers vs. Angels, Skubal dominates and Trout’s IL status hurts L.A. Munaf recommends Tigers via moneyline or run line. Lastly, Giants host Rockies with Robbie Ray on the mound. Ray’s teams are 6-0 in his starts, but Griffin finds -280 too steep and suggests a Rockies run line. Munaf agrees on targeting Giants team total.
Griffin’s best bet: Phillies -142. Munaf’s: Mariners vs. Rangers under 8.5. The show closes encouraging listeners to shop lines, list pitchers, and monitor late moves, all key in chasing sharp MLB edges.
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