RJ Bell's Dream Preview

Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner talk MLB betting for Friday.

⚾ Trade deadline reshaping: Twins shed contracts (Carlos Correa back to Houston; Griffin Jax to Rays), Padres strengthened bullpen (Mason Miller, JP Sears, Nestor Cortes), while Braves and Giants shifted toward selling.

📉 Braves’ decline: Bryce Elder struggles (8 ER vs. Rangers, 15 walks in 5 starts), rotation injuries, and Ronald Acuña likely out for season weaken their competitiveness.

🔴 Reds’ rise: Griffin calls them “too cheap,” citing Brady Singer’s recent rebound and Brian Hayes’ impact (HR in debut) as indicators of a competitive Cincinnati side.

🟠 Orioles fallout: Loss of Cedric Mullins, Ryan O’Hearn, Gregory Soto, Félix Bautista leaves their bullpen depleted; Griffin suggests only betting first five innings.

🟡 Brewers’ consistency: Despite a missed sweep, they remain ahead in the NL Central; Jose Quintana (favored at -150) exploits Nationals’ 10–18 record vs. lefties.

🔵 Phillies’ bullpen upgrade: Ranger Suárez shaky at home but backed by reinforced bullpen; Munaf favors first-five innings run line (-0.5, -105).

🟢 Dodgers overvalued: Griffin slams Clayton Kershaw’s pricing and calls Rays ML (+130) a value play with Shane Baz pitching.

🟣 Mets at home dominance: David Peterson is 10-0 at Citi Field, justifying Munaf’s Mets ML pick vs. a struggling Giants lineup.

🟤 Padres bullpen depth: Adding Miller, Sears, Laureano, and Cortez transforms them into a serious playoff contender.

🟩 Mariners vs. Rangers: Logan Gilbert’s 2.79 ERA vs. Texas makes Seattle (-167) an appealing play over Jack Leiter, who battles control issues.

• Munaf (0:09–1:05) opens with trade deadline reflections, announcing 11 Friday matchups with confirmed pitchers.

• Griffin (1:07–1:48) humorously likens the deadline to an underwhelming first date but notes its excitement, wearing his Orioles shirt as a nod to Baltimore.

• Braves vs. Reds (3:08–6:41): Griffin favors Reds ML with Brady Singer, while Munaf details Bryce Elder’s struggles (15 BB in 5 starts) and Cincinnati’s improved offense.

• Orioles vs. Cubs (6:43–10:08): Griffin highlights Baltimore’s bullpen depletion, suggesting first-five betting only; Munaf praises Trevor Rogers’ 1.49 ERA but doubts their late-inning reliability.

• Brewers vs. Nationals (10:09–13:30