The Cincinnati Reds (53-80) look to even up the 3-game series against the Chicago Cubs (57-78) Wednesday. First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Reds vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Cubs lead 7-4
The Reds lost 9-3 in Tuesday’s opener and have now lost 10 of their last 14 on the road.
The Chicago offense got back on track Tuesday after they scored just 29 runs on a 9-game road trip where they posted a 2-7 record.
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Reds at Cubs projected starters
LHP Mike Minor vs. RHP Javier Assad
Minor (3-10, 5.98 ERA) makes his 17th start. He has a 1.53 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 7.2 K/9 in 84 1/3 IP.
- In 7 road starts this season he has a 5.82 ERA, 7.4 K/9, and 1.9 HR/9 in 38 2/3 IP
- Both his 17.4% K% and his 9.4% K-BB% are the lowest marks of his career by a pretty wide margin
Assad (0-0, 0.90 ERA) makes his 4th appearance and 3rd start. He has a 1.60 WHIP, 5.4 BB/9 and 5.4 K/9 in 10 IP.
- Rookie has held the opposition scoreless in both of his starts, but walked more (6) than he struck out (4)
- In 23 appearances (21 starts) in the minors this season split between Double-A and Triple-A he had a 2.66 ERA and 9.2 K/9.
Reds at Cubs odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:29 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Reds +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Cubs -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Reds +1.5 (-180) | Cubs -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)
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Reds at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Reds 6, Cubs 5
Money line
Assad has had nice results early on, but both starting pitchers in this matchup are displaying subpar skills. This looks like an even matchup that could go either way and -145 is too much to lay on the young Cubs’ right-hander. A small play on REDS +120 is the call.
Run line/Against the spread
Odds are this will be a close game, but there doesn’t seem to be much value on either side of the run line. It’s best to PASS, but a small wager on REDS -1.5 (+180) is worth considering, as regression could hit Assad hard at any time.
Over/Under
The Reds are averaging just 3.57 runs per game on the road, which ranks 27th in the league, and they are also bottom 5 in wRC+ vs right-handed pitching. Meanwhile the Cubs rank 22nd in wRC+ vs. southpaws.
Even so, with these 2 below-average starters on the mound, the bats are in a good spot Wednesday. Either pitcher is capable of getting blown up and this total should go OVER 7.5 (-130) without too much trouble.
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