Total Bases | MLB Picks Today! Monday Betting Preview, Odds & Best Bets | 4/13

WagerTalk: Sports Betting Tips47mApril 13, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of WagerTalk's 'Total Bases,' hosts Tokyo Brandon, Brian Leonard, and TV break down the MLB betting landscape for Monday, April 13, 2026, focusing on key matchups including Cubs vs. Phillies, Pirates vs. Nationals, Dodgers vs. Mets, and Guardians vs. Cardinals. The discussion centers on pitching matchups, team form, bullpen strength, and lineup inefficiencies, with Tokyo Brandon emphasizing the Cubs' recent resurgence after avoiding a sweep by the Pirates, while Brian Leonard remains skeptical of the Phillies' value despite their strong bullpen. The Pirates emerge as a strong parlay pick, with both hosts praising their top-heavy lineup and pitching depth, especially with Paul Skeens on the mound. The Dodgers are seen as a risky favorite due to their reliance on a struggling offense, while the Braves are highlighted as a sleeper with strong depth and future reinforcements. The hosts debate the viability of prop bets, including first-inning runs and strikeouts, and promote a limited-time 'double play' offer on WagerTalk.com that grants access to two of their top handicappers for three days.

Key Takeaways
1

The Pirates are a strong parlay candidate due to their elite top-of-the-order hitters and dominant bullpen, despite a potential fatigue factor after a grueling series against the Brewers.

2

The Dodgers' massive favorite status (minus 180) may not offer enough value given their struggling offense and the Mets' superior bullpen and starting pitching matchup.

3

The Braves are undervalued despite injuries, with strong performances from their rotation and upcoming reinforcements making them a solid long-term play.

4

First-inning run props are valuable when facing pitchers like Paul Skeens, who historically limit early scoring, making a 'yes run in the first inning' a high-value play.

5

Avoid betting on the Dodgers to bat in the ninth inning—use the 'no bat in the ninth' prop to hedge against blowouts and get better odds.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Opening Thoughts: Golf vs. Baseball & Cubs-Phillies Preview

The hosts open with a lighthearted jab at golf’s lack of appeal, then dive into the Cubs-Phillies matchup, discussing Javier Assad’s inconsistent performance and Christopher Sanchez’s strong form. Brian Leonard questions the Phillies’ value at current odds despite their elite bullpen.

10:00
10 min

Pirates-Nats: Skeens Day & First-Inning Run Prop

I will absolutely be looking for spots to play the Pirates. The problem is, am I going to get the price to ever play the Pirates in this series? Maybe not. Certainly not going to when Skeens is on the mound.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Dodgers vs. Mets: Value in the Mets or a Dodger Fade?

If you're dying to bet the Dodgers in some way, Pajes has been absolutely on fire. As a matter of fact, the end of the Dodgers lineup is batting better than the top of the Dodgers lineup right now.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Guardians vs. Cardinals: Cleveland’s Hidden Strength

The discussion turns to the Guardians, who are defying expectations with strong pitching and small-ball execution. Brian Leonard praises their depth and resilience, while Tokyo Brandon notes Gavin Williams’ dominance despite high walk rates.

40:00
10 min

Braves as a Parlay Anchor & Future-Proof Team

They're going to be much better at the end of the season than they are right now. I may end up passing on today's card, but I do want to give out a play here.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
If you're dying to bet the Dodgers in some way, Pajes has been absolutely on fire. As a matter of fact, the end of the Dodgers lineup is batting better than the top of the Dodgers lineup right now.
Tokyo Brandon23:44
Viral: 90.0
The Pirates are playoff team this year and they're going to win again tonight. And they're probably going to win tomorrow. They're probably going to win the day after that.
Tokyo Brandon45:02
Viral: 88.0
I will absolutely be looking for spots to play the Pirates. The problem is, am I going to get the price to ever play the Pirates in this series? Maybe not.
Tokyo Brandon44:06
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

Tokyo BrandonBrian LeonardTV
Topics Discussed
MLB Betting Strategy95%Pitcher Matchups & Bullpen Strength90%Parlay Construction & Value88%Team Form & Sample Size Caution85%Injury Impact on Team Performance82%Prop Bets: First Inning & Strikeouts80%Player Development & Minor League Depth78%Small Ball & Marginal Wins75%
People & Brands

Brian Leonard

person

18xPositive

Pirates

other

16xPositive

WagerTalk

organization

15xPositive

Tokyo Brandon

person

15xPositive

Dodgers

other

14xNegative

Mets

other

13xNegative

Braves

other

12xPositive

Cubs

other

12xMixed

Phillies

other

11xNegative

Nationals

other

10xMixed

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