The Chicago Cubs (19-22) play the 2nd game of a 3-game series against the Houston Astros (22-19) on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET (TBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Astros lead 1-0
The Cubs lost 6-4 to the Astros Monday despite putting up 4 runs on LHP Framber Valdez. Chicago enters on a 3-game losing skid and has gone 4-6 in its last 10 contests.
The Astros got multi-RBI performances from 3B Alex Bregman and 1B Jose Abreu in Monday’s victory. Houston has won 5 of its last 6 games and is only 3 games behind the Texas Rangers for 1st place in the AL West.
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Cubs at Astros projected starters
LHP Justin Steele vs. RHP Cristian Javier
Steele (6-0, 1.82 ERA) makes his 9th start. He has a 1.03 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 through 49 1/3 IP.
- Has recorded a quality start in 7 of his first 8 starts
- Has allowed 6-plus hits in 3 straight starts and he surrendered 3 ER in his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday
Javier (3-1, 3.47 ERA) makes his 9th start. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 10.4 K/9 through 46 2/3 IP.
- Has given up at least 1 home run in 5 of his last 6 starts
- Has struck out 6-plus batters in 4 straight turns
Cubs at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Astros -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-145) | Astros -1.5 (+120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Cubs at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 5, Cubs 3
Moneyline
While I believe the Astros (-165) are going to come away with the win on Tuesday, taking them at the current odds isn’t advised. Unless you can get them at -160 or better, then I’ll PASS on the moneyline in this contest.
Run line/Against the spread
The ASTROS -1.5 (+120) are a solid value despite Steele having a fantastic start to the season for the Cubs. Javier has looked better in recent starts and Chicago has struggled recently to keep games close.
The Cubs have been outscored 47-17 in their last 6 losses.
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 7.5 (-115).
Even with 2 pitchers who have been formidable to begin the season, I’ll side with the Over in this game. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these sides in Houston and the last 5 meetings overall.
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