MLB Weekend Preview + Best Bets !!

On the April 18, 2025 episode of RJ Bell’s Dream Preview MLB podcast, Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner provided in-depth analysis of the Friday baseball slate with betting insights. Munaf opened by highlighting his 5-1 betting record and credited their collaborative discussions for the success. The first matchup covered was Diamondbacks vs. Cubs (0:10–7:40). Corbin Burnes has struggled early, while Cubs starter Colin Rea provides potential value. Chicago leads MLB in runners in scoring position appearances and has scored 124 runs to Arizona’s 104. The Cubs as home underdogs and a lean to the over were discussed, depending on Wrigley Field wind.

In Royals vs. Tigers (7:41–11:34), Cole Ragans faces top prospect Jackson Jobe. Kansas City’s offense has produced just 19 runs over its last 10 games and is 2-8 on the road. The Tigers’ bullpen is strong, and both hosts leaned toward Detroit plus money and under 7.5.

Guardians vs. Pirates (11:35–15:11) features Luis Ortiz against Carmen Mlodzinski. Mlodzinski has a 1.77 WHIP with command issues. The Guardians were favored due to bullpen depth. Pittsburgh is 6-4 at home and to the over. There was a slight lean to Cleveland and possibly over 8.5.

In Marlins vs. Phillies (15:12–19:08), Sandy Alcantara is no longer dominant, while Zack Wheeler boasts an 11-4 record and 2.73 ERA against Miami. Philadelphia is 24-11 in Wheeler’s home starts since 2023. The Phillies were a strong lean, especially on the run line.

Yankees vs. Rays (19:49–25:11) featured Carlos Rodón, who has allowed 4+ earned runs and 3+ walks in three straight starts. Drew Rasmussen has not allowed a run in 21 career innings vs. the Yankees. Munaf’s best bet was Rays first five innings at -110.

In Reds vs. Orioles (25:12–28:31), Andrew Abbott faces Cade Povich. While Abbott had a solid outing against Pittsburgh, Baltimore’s offense poses more danger. The Orioles were favored and offensive production expected.

Mariners vs. Blue Jays (28:31–31:40) has Bryan Woo, who has struggled away from home, against Bowden Francis. Toronto is 7-3 at home and the over 7.5 was considered.

Cardinals vs. Mets (31:42–35:05) pits Miles Mikolas against David Peterson. St. Louis is 1-6 on the road and lacks comeback potential. The Mets were the lean, especially on the run line.

Griffin’s best bet was Braves -130 vs. Twins (35:06–38:12). Chris Paddack has lost all three starts by 2+ runs and Bryce Elder is trying to earn a rotation spot.

In Red Sox vs. White Sox (38:13–41:46), Martín Pérez is a steady innings-eater. Boston has a negative run differential and both hosts were reluctant to back them as heavy favorites.

Dodgers vs. Rangers (41:46–45:55) features Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has a 0.91 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 22 innings, against Jacob deGrom, who’s allowed multiple home runs in consecutive starts. The Dodgers were favored early.

In Astros vs. Padres (52:32–56:54), Kyle Hart rebounded after a poor debut, while Houston’s Ryan Gusto is unproven. The Padres are 15-4, and with Houston’s bullpen issues, San Diego at +123 was the consensus lean.

Brewers vs. A’s (56:55–1:01:02) has Freddy Peralta allowing six earned runs over 23.1 innings. Milwaukee is 43-27 at home in his starts since 2018.

Nationals vs. Rockies (1:01:11–1:04:14) features cold Denver weather and a low total of nine. MacKenzie Gore’s road struggles were noted, but Washington was the slight lean.

Giants vs. Angels (1:04:14–1:07:43) featured Logan Webb’s consistency against Tyler Anderson. San Francisco is 9-4 on the road with eight wins by 2+ runs. Munaf leaned Giants run line.

The episode ended with a promo for Pregame’s $1,000 MLB contest and 20 percent discount code HOMERUN20.

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