The Cleveland Indians (7-6) and Cincinnati Reds (5-7) wrap up a four-game, home-and-home series for the Ohio Cup, playing the series finale at Progressive Field Thursday with a 6:10 p.m. ET first pitch. We analyze the Indians-Reds MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Reds at Indians: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Luis Castillo vs. RHP Carlos Carrasco
Castillo enters 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA and .292 opponent batting average with 17 strikeouts over 12 innings in two starts so far this season.
- Castillo’s only road start was a disaster, coughing up five earned runs, eight hits and a walk over six innings in a loss at Detroit July 31.
- Castillo was sharp last season in his only appearance against the Indians, allowing an earned run, four hits and two walks with six strikeouts over six innings in a no-decision at Progressive Field June 11, 2019.
Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
Carrasco has posted a 1-1 record with a 3.75 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 15 strikeouts across 12 innings in his two outings, both quality starts.
- Carrasco hasn’t faced the Reds since the 2018 season, allowing one earned run, five hits and a walk with seven strikeouts in a 19-4 victory at Progressive Field July 11, 2018.
- The Indians have picked up nine victories in the previous 11 games against National League Central Division opponents, and they’re 5-2 in the past seven interleague games at home.
Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!
Reds at Indians: Key injuries
(List of injuries around the league)
Reds
- 2B Mike Moustakas (quadriceps) questionable
Indians
- OF Delino DeShields (illness) questionable
- OF Tyler Naquin (toe) out
- C Roberto Perez (shoulder) out
Reds at Indians: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Indians 3, Reds 2
Moneyline (ML)
The INDIANS (-121) are favored to complete the two-game home sweep, and their third straight victory overall against their in-state rivals, the Reds (+110). It’s a solid pitching matchup, and the Tribe will need Carrasco to be on point since the offense continues to struggle to score runs. Back the Indians despite the fact they have scored two or fewer runs in seven of their past eight games, averaging just 1.5 runs per game in eight outings since July 29.
New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on Cleveland (-121) turns a profit $8.30, while a $10 play on Cincinnati (+110) fetches a profit of $11.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The Indians -1 (+120) simply cannot be trusted since their offense has been absolutely toothless lately. If they’re able to scratch out a win, it’s going to be a low-scoring, well-pitched contest. As such, avoid any of the run lines, as the Indians will be lucky to earn a one-run win, and the Reds (+1, -143) are just too expensive catching a run.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 7.5 (-110) is a tremendous value considering the Indians have struggled offensively for more than a week. The Reds haven’t been too swift lately, either, averaging 2.5 runs per game across their past six. Until these teams start swinging the bat and plating runs on a regular basis, back the Under.
The Under is 5-0 in the past five for Cincinnati, while going 12-1 in 13 outings for Cleveland, including a 10-0 run.
Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]
