[anyclip pubname=”2129″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8190″]
The Chicago Cubs (38-44) and the Milwaukee Brewers (45-39) kick off a 4-game series Monday at American Family Field. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network/ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Brewers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Brewers lead 2-1
The Cubs dropped the final 2 games of a 3-game weekend interleague series vs. the Cleveland Guardians after routing them 10-1 in the series opener Friday. Chicago was outscored 14-6 in those 2 losses, including an 8-6 setback in 10 innings on Sunday. The last series the Cubs won came in its last true road series, a 3-game sweep in Pittsburgh from June 19-21.
The Brewers took 2 of 3 from the aforementioned Pirates over the weekend in the Steel City, scoring at least 6 runs in each of the outings. Milwaukee has won 11 of the past 16 games overall dating back to June 16.
The Cubs have won 7 of the past 8 games inside the NL Central and are 4-1 in their past 5 games on the road.
The Brewers are 5-1 in the past 6 divisional games while cashing in 11 of the past 16 games at home against the Cubs.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Cubs at Brewers projected starters
LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Julio Teheran
Smyly (7-5, 3.96 ERA) makes his 17th start. He has a 1.29 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 in 86 1/3 IP.
- Last start: Loss, 3 2/3 IP, 7 ER, 9 H (2 HR), 1 BB, 2 K in an 8-5 home loss vs. the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday
- 2023 road splits: 4-3, 2.74 ERA (46 IP, 14 ER – 6 HR) with a .256 opponent batting average (OBA) in 8 starts
Teheran (2-3, 2.85 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 0.93 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 5.5 K/9 over 41 IP.
- Last start: Loss 5 2/3 IP, 7 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 2 K in a 7-2 home loss vs. the New York Mets Tuesday
- 2023 home splits: 1-1, 1.57 ERA (23 IP, 4 ER – 1 HR) with a .171 OBA in 4 starts
Cubs at Brewers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:46 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Brewers -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+145) | Brewers +1.5 (-175)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW23 for $15 OFF a full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 9/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!
Cubs at Brewers picks and predictions
Prediction
Brewers 3, Cubs 2
Moneyline
The BREWERS (-110) are worth a look in the series opener but expect a narrow margin of victory in a well-pitched game.
Unfortunately for the Cubs, no matter how well they’re going, they always seem to struggle against their neighbors from the north. Chicago has won just once in the past 5 meetings overall and 5 times in the previous 16 trips north on Interstate 94 to Cream City.
Run line/Against the spread
The BREWERS +1.5 (-175) are a little on the pricey side but not terribly out of line if you just do not trust Teheran and the home side straight up and would like a little insurance.
One reason for concern is that Milwaukee has won just 3 of the past 10 tries against a left-handed starter.
However, there should be no concerns with Teheran bouncing back after a dud last week. The righty has resurrected his career with the Brew Crew and has enjoyed the home cooking at American Family Field so far, holding teams to a .171 OBA with a 1.57 ERA over 4 starts.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Over/Under
UNDER 8.5 (+100) at even money is the best value on the board.
Smyly has pitched much better on the road than at home and Teheran has fared well at AFF.
The Under is 12-3-1 in the past 16 road games for the Cubbies and is 9-1 in their past 10 on the road vs. RHP.
The Under is 18-8 in the past 26 games inside the division for the Brewers and has cashed at a 5-2 clip in their last 7 home games against the Cubs.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]