Chicago Cubs odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line

Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates (70-80) open a 3-game series against the Chicago Cubs (78-72) on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pirates vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 9-1

The Pirates defeated the New York Yankees 3-2 Sunday to snap a 2-game losing streak. Pittsburgh is 5-5 in its last 10 games and is 8 games back of Chicago for the final NL Wild Card spot with 12 games remaining.

The Cubs lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 on Sunday, handing them their 5th consecutive loss. Chicago is currently tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL Wild Card spot and is 6 games back of the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers in the division.

Pirates at Cubs projected starters

TBD vs. RHP Javier Assad

The Pirates starting pitcher is unannounced at the time of publication.

Assad (3-3, 3.10 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.25 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 6.7 K/9 through 95 2/3 IP.

Last start: No decision, 3 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 4 K in 6-4 road loss vs. Colorado Rockies last Tuesday
2023 home stats: 0-3, 3.71 ERA (51 IP, 21 ER) in 4 starts and 12 relief appearances
Career vs. Pirates: 1-0, 3.27 ERA (11 IP, 4 ER) in 2 starts

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Pirates at Cubs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:02 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pirates +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Cubs -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-160) | Cubs -1.5 (+135)
Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Pirates at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Pirates 4

Moneyline

Even with Chicago struggling recently, I’ll back the CUBS (-150) at home against the Pirates. The Cubs have won 9 of the first 10 meetings against their division rivals this season.

Run line/Against the spread

CUBS -1.5 (+135) has fantastic value as it has yet to be announced who will start for the Pirates on the mound. The Cubs have won by at least 2 runs in 8 of their 9 wins against the Pirates this season.

Chicago is also 41-34 at home compared to Pittsburgh producing a 32-40 record on the road this season.

Over/Under

With Assad making another start for the Cubs, and the Pirates likely rolling out a mediocre pitcher on Tuesday, OVER 9 (-105) is the play in this contest. The Over is 7-3 in the first 10 meetings between these teams this season.

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Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Chicago Cubs (72-63) will play the 3rd game of a 4-game series against the Cincinnati Reds (70-67) Saturday at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Reds lead 6-5

On Friday, the Cubs split a doubleheader against the Reds, winning the 1st game 6-2 and losing the 2nd contest 3-2. Chicago has tallied a 7-3 record in its last 10 games, putting it only 3 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for 1st place in the NL Central.

In Friday’s 2nd game against the Cubs, OF Jake Fraley made his 1st start since Aug. 3, and he registered 3 hits in his return to help the Reds secure the win. Cincinnati is 4-6 in its last 10 contests and is 3 games behind Chicago for 2nd place in the NL Central.

Cubs at Reds projected starters

RHP Javier Assad vs. LHP Andrew Abbott

Assad (3-2, 2.96 ERA) makes his 7th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 through 79 IP.

Last start: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 K in a 10-1 road victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday
Road stats: 3-0, 2.16 ERA (33 1/3 IP, 8 ER) in 3 starts and 6 relief appearances.
Career vs. Reds: 0-1, 3.00 ERA (18 IP, 6 ER) in 2 starts and 2 relief appearances.

Abbott (8-4, 3.35 ERA) makes his 17th start. He has a 1.22 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 through 88 2/3 IP.

Last start: Loss, 3 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K in a 4-1 road defeat to the San Francisco Giants Monday
Home stats: 3-2, 2.84 ERA (44 1/3 IP, 14 ER) in 7 starts.
Career vs. Cubs: 0-0, 10.80 ERA (3 1/3 IP, 4 ER) in 1 start.

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Cubs at Reds odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Reds -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+140) | Reds +1.5 (-165)
Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Cubs at Reds picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 5, Reds 4

Moneyline

Following the doubleheader Friday, I’ll back the CUBS (-115) on the road in Saturday’s matchup. Assad has been a formidable starter since joining Chicago’s rotation, and Abbott has given up 3 runs or more in 3 of his last 5 starts for Cincinnati.

Run line/Against the spread

While the Reds should stay within striking distance against the Cubs, go ahead and PASS on the run line in this divisional showdown. Taking Cincinnati to keep the game within a run isn’t worth the risk at -165 odds.

Over/Under

UNDER 9.5 (-110) is the lean in this game despite Great American Ball Park being a hitter-friendly venue. The Cubs are 6-4 to the Under in their last 10 games overall, while the Reds are 7-3 to the Under in their last 10.

Also, the Under has been achieved in 3 consecutive meetings, and 2 of those meetings took place in Cincinnati.

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Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Milwaukee Brewers (73-57) travel to Wrigley Field to begin a 3-game series against the Chicago Cubs (69-61) on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Brewers vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Brewers lead 4-3

The Brewers defeated the San Diego Padres 10-6 on Sunday, extending their winning streak to 8 games. With Milwaukee’s recent stretch of success, it leads Chicago by 4 games atop the NL Central.

The Cubs secured a 10-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving them 7 wins in their last 10 contests. Besides being only 4 games back of Milwaukee, Chicago holds the 2nd Wild-Card spot in the NL.

Brewers at Cubs projected starters

LHP Wade Miley vs. RHP Jameson Taillon

Miley (6-3, 3.18 ERA) makes his 18th start. He has a 1.18 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 6.1 K/9 in 87 2/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K in a 7-3 home win against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday
Road stats: 2-2, 3.03 ERA (38 2/3 IP, 13 ER) in 8 starts
Career vs. Cubs: 9-4, 4.01 ERA (101 IP, 45 ER) in 17 starts

Taillon (7-8, 5.60 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.35 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 in 115 2/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 K in a 6-4 road win over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday
Home stats: 3-5, 5.85 ERA (60 IP, 39 ER) in 12 starts
Career vs. Brewers: 3-6, 3.75 ERA (62 1/3 IP, 26 ER) in 12 starts

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Brewers at Cubs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:28 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Brewers +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Cubs -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Brewers +1.5 (-190) | Cubs -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Brewers at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Brewers 6, Cubs 5

Moneyline

While the Cubs have looked solid recently, I’ll back the BREWERS (+105) on the road as they look to win their 9th straight. Miley has been slightly better on the road this season, while Taillon has performed worse at home.

Run line/Against the spread

Even though I have the Brewers defeating the Cubs outright, I’ll PASS on their run line in this divisional bout. Wagering on Milwaukee’s spread at nearly -200 odds isn’t advised.

Over/Under

OVER 9 (+100) is the play in this game as Miley doesn’t miss many bats and Taillon has struggled all season. The Brewers have tallied at least 5 runs in 8 consecutive games, while the Cubs have produced at least 5 runs in 7 of their last 9.

The Over is also 4-1 in the last 5 meetings this season.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cincinnati Reds (59-51) wrap up a 4-game series against the Chicago Cubs (55-53) on Thursday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Reds vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Reds lead 5-3

The Reds lost 16-6 to the Cubs Wednesday despite 1B Joey Votto hitting 2 home runs. Cincinnati has been outscored 41-21 in the first 3 games of the series and 36-15 over its last 2 games but remains half a game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for 1st place in the NL Central.

The Cubs got home runs from DH Christopher Morel, SS Dansby Swanson, and OF Ian Happ (2), while 3B Jeimer Candelario went a perfect 4-for-4 in Wednesday’s victory. Chicago has won 10 of its last 12 games and is only 3 games back of Cincinnati in the crowded division.

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Reds at Cubs projected starters

RHP Luke Weaver vs. RHP Jameson Taillon

Weaver (2-3, 6.80 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.61 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 86 IP.

Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 3-2 road defeat vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday
2023 road stats: 1-3, 5.76 ERA (50 IP, 32 ER) over 10 starts
Career vs. Cubs: 1-3, 8.59 ERA (29 1/3 IP, 28 ER) across 7 starts

Taillon (5-6, 5.46 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.37 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 through 89 IP.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 4 K in 5-1 road win vs. St. Louis Cardinals Saturday
2023 home stats: 2-4, 6.43 ERA (49 IP, 35 ER) in 10 starts
Career vs. Reds: 4-5, 4.64 ERA (77 2/3 IP, 40 ER) over 14 starts

Reds at Cubs 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): Reds +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Cubs -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Reds +1.5 (-140) | Cubs -1.5 (+115)
Over/Under (O/U): 10 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Reds at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 7, Reds 5

Moneyline

After outscoring the Reds 36-15 in the last 2 games, I’ll take the CUBS (-160) at home in Thursday’s series finale. I wouldn’t wager on Chicago to win at anything steeper than -160, though.

Run line/Against the spread

CUBS -1.5 (+115) is how I’d bet on the run line with how their bats have performed in this series. Taillon has also pitched better since the All-Star break than Weaver, allowing 5 total earned runs over his last 3 starts.

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Over/Under

Even with Taillon’s recent stretch of success, OVER 10 (-115) is the play in this contest. There have been at least 11 runs scored in each game and 62 total runs scored in the first 3 games of this series.

The Over is also 9-1 in the last 10 meetings between these division rivals.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cincinnati Reds (59-49) play the 2nd game of a 4-game series against the Chicago Cubs (53-53) on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Reds vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Reds lead 5-1

The Reds squeaked out a 6-5 win over the Cubs in the series opener Monday as OF Will Benson connected for a double and a triple. Cincinnati is 7-3 in its last 10 games and 1 1/2 games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers atop the NL Central.

Cubs SS Dansby Swanson hit his 13th homer of the season and C Yan Gomes supplied 3 hits in Monday’s loss. Following an 8-game win streak, Chicago has lost its last 2 games and is now 5 games back of Cincinnati in the division.

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Reds at Cubs projected starters

RHP Ben Lively vs. LHP Justin Steele

Lively (4-6, 3.76 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 through 67 IP.

Last start: Loss, 6 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 3-0 road defeat to the Brewers Wednesday
Road stats: 2-4. 3.58 ERA (32 2/3 IP, 13 ER) in 5 starts and 1 relief appearance
Career vs. Cubs: 0-1, 10.80 ERA (5 IP, 6 ER) in 1 start on Aug. 26, 2017

Steele (11-3, 2.87 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.12 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 through 109 2/3 IP.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K in 10-3 road win against the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday
Home stats: 7-2, 2.97 ERA (60 2/3 IP, 20 ER) in 11 starts
Career vs. Reds: 1-3, 8.34 ERA (22 2/3 IP, 21 ER) in 5 starts and 2 relief appearances

Reds at Cubs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Reds +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Cubs -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Reds +1.5 (-145) | Cubs -1.5 (+120)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Reds at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 5, Reds 4

Moneyline

Considering the pitchers that are taking the mound on Tuesday, I’ll side with the CUBS (-160) and Steele at home. Steele has struggled against the Reds in his career, but he’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season.

Run line/Against the spread

REDS +1.5 (-145) is the choice for the spread as Cincinnati should keep this game close. Steele has shown he’s susceptible to giving up runs in recent starts and Cincinnati has won 5 of the first 6 meetings between these clubs this season.

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Over/Under

OVER 8.5 (-105) is how I’d bet on the run total in this divisional showdown even with Steele having a strong campaign. The Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings overall.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia Phillies (42-37) and Chicago Cubs (37-41) play the finale of a 3-game series in Chicago on Thursday. First pitch at Wrigley Field is slated for 8:05 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook‘s lines around the Phillies vs. Cubs and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Phillies lead 4-1

The Phillies beat the Cubs 8-5 on Wednesday for their 4th win in the last 5 games. They have outscored their opponents 21-13 over that stretch. Philadelphia looks for their 2nd series sweep in their last 4 series.

Chicago dropped their 3rd straight game on Wednesday night after losing 5-1 on Tuesday. They have been outscored by the Phillies 28-20 in their 5 meetings this season and will try to avoid being swept for the 5th time this season.

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Phillies at Cubs projected starters

RHP Taijuan Walker vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks

Walker (8-3, 4.10 ERA) will make his 17th start. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 in 83 1/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K in a 5-1 home victory vs. the New York Mets Friday
Last start vs Cubs: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K in a 2-1 home win on May 21
Has won 5 of his last 6 starts

Hendricks (3-2, 2.60 ERA) makes his 7th start. He has a 0.98 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 4.7 K/9 in 34 2/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 6 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K in a 8-3 road win vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 21
Last start vs Phillies: No-decision, 3 2/3 IP, 6 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 1 K in a 17-8 road loss on Sept. 16, 2021
Has won his last 3 starts

Phillies at Cubs odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:48 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Phillies -124 (bet $124 to win $100) | Cubs +106 (bet $100 to win $106)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Phillies -1.5 (+130) | Cubs +1.5 (-156)
Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Phillies at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Phillies 4, Cubs 3

Moneyline

PHILLIES (-124)

While I don’t love paying the juice, it isn’t high enough to deter me from making the bet. Walker has a 5-1 record with a sparkling 1.71 ERA over his last 7 starts. Philadelphia has owned Chicago this season and the Cubs are 6-12 against the NL East this season.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

While I believe the Phillies will win, I’m not confident they’ll cover the run line as Hendricks has been good over his last 3 starts.

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Over/Under

I’m all in on UNDER 9.5 (-105). This number is entirely too high for this pitching matchup. Walker has not allowed more than 1 ER in his last 4 starts. Hendricks has allowed just 7 ER total over his last 5 starts. Despite going over on Wednesday, no way this game gets to 10 total runs.

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Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (37-38) and the St. Louis Cardinals (31-45) will conclude their 2-game series at London Stadium on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 2-2

The Cubs beat the Cardinals 9-1 on Saturday, with OF Ian Happ supplying 2 HRs. Chicago extended its winning streak to 4 games on Saturday and it has won 9 of its last 10 contests. The Cubs are 3 games behind the 1st-place Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central.

It was another rough outing for RHP Adam Wainwright on Saturday. He allowed 7 ER on 11 H with 1 BB and 0 K in 3 IP. St. Louis has gone 4-6 in its last 10 games and remains at the bottom of the NL Central.

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Cubs vs. Cardinals projected starters

RHP Marcus Stroman vs. LHP Matthew Liberatore

Stroman (9-4, 2.28 ERA) makes his 17th start. He has a 1.02 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 in 98 2/3 innings.

Has been credited with a win in 7 straight starts
May 8 vs. Cardinals: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1BB, 6 K and the loss in a 3-1 St. Louis win

Liberatore (1-2, 6.12 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.56 WHIP, 4.3 BB/9 and 6.5 K/9 in 25 innings.

Has walked 2 or more batters in all 5 starts
Last win was May 17 vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Cubs vs. Cardinals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Cardinals +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (-105) | Cardinals +1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 11.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Cubs vs. Cardinals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 7, Cardinals 3

Moneyline

Stroman has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, so I’ll back the CUBS (-140) in Sunday’s divisional matchup. Chicago is also one of the hottest teams in baseball, while St. Louis has been largely disappointing.

Run line/Against the spread

CUBS -1.5 (-105) is an enticing bet with how these teams have performed recently. Chicago is also tied for the 7th-best ISO (.179), the 5th-best wOBA (.339), and the 6th-best wRC+ against left-handed pitching this season.

The Cubs have also outscored their opponents 29-4 amid their current 4-game winning streak.

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Over/Under

UNDER 11.5 (-120) is the lean in this game despite London Stadium being viewed as a hitter-friendly park. Stroman has been lights out this season, and even with Wainwright giving up 7 runs himself on Saturday, there were still fewer than 12 runs scored.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (33-38) begin a 3-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates (34-36) on Monday at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 3-0

The Cubs lost 6-3 to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, which ended a 5-game winning streak. Chicago is only 4 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for the lead in the NL Central.

The Pirates were defeated by the Brewers 5-2 on Sunday, extending their losing streak to 6 games. After beginning last week in 1st place in the NL Central, Pittsburgh is now in 3rd place, 2 1/2 games behind Milwaukee.

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Cubs at Pirates projected starters

LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Osvaldo Bido

Smyly (6-4, 3.59 ERA) makes his 15th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 in 77 2/3 innings.

Has allowed 3 ER or more in 3 of his last 4 starts
June 14 vs. Pirates: Win, 6 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Bido (0-0, 2.25 ERA) makes his 2nd career start, both against the Cubs. He has a 1.75 WHIP, 6.8 BB/9 and 13.5 K/9 in 4 innings.

June 14 vs. Cubs: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Was 3-4 with a 4.55 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9, and 9.1 K/9 in 10 starts in Triple-A before being called up

Cubs at Pirates odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:21 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Pirates +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+135) | Pirates +1.5 (-160)
Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Cubs at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Pirates 4

Moneyline

Even though Smyly has sputtered in recent starts, I’ll back the CUBS (-125) on the road in Monday’s NL Central matchup. Chicago is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings, including 4 consecutive wins against Pittsburgh.

Run line/Against the spread

CUBS -1.5 (+135) has solid value with how these teams have performed lately. The Cubs have defeated the Pirates by at least 4 runs in each of the 1st 3 meetings this season, and Bido is only making his 2nd career start.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 9 (-105).

The Cubs recently got OF Cody Bellinger back in the lineup and OF Mike Tauchman has provided solid production in recent games. Smyly surrendered 5 ER to the Pirates on June 14 and Pittsburgh is tied for the 9th-best wRC+ (111) against left-handed pitching in June.

The Over is also 4-0 in the last 4 meetings overall.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Additional MLB coverage:
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Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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)

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Skyler Carlin 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

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Chicago Cubs at Minnesota Twins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Cubs at Minnesota Twins odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (18-19) will start a 3-game series against the Minnesota Twins (21-17) on Friday at Target Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET (Apple TV+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Twins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting since the 2021 season (tied 2-2)

The Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 10-4 on Wednesday to snap a 3-game losing streak. Chicago has gone 4-6 in its last 10 contests.

The Twins beat the San Diego Padres 5-3 on Wednesday, giving them 2 straight wins. Minnesota is 5-5 in its last 10 games.

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Cubs at Twins projected starters

LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Sonny Gray

Smyly (3-1, 3.05 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 0.99 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 in 38 1/3 innings.

Has given up fewer than 2 ER in 6 of 7 starts
Is 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 7.4 K/9 in 6 career starts (16 total appearances) against the Twins

Gray (4-0, 1.35 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 10.6 K/9 in 40 innings.

His last start on May 6 vs. the Cleveland Guardians was his 1st start this season where he allowed more than 1 ER
Is 4-3 with a 3.11 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 11.5 K/9 in 10 career starts against the Cubs

Cubs at Twins odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:27 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Twins -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-160) | Twins -1.5 (+135)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Cubs at Twins picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 4, Cubs 2

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Skyler Carlin 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

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