The Philadelphia Phillies (40-37) open a 3-game series against the Chicago Cubs (37-39) on Tuesday. First pitch from Wrigley Field is set for 8:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Phillies vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Phillies lead 2-1
The Phillies picked up a 7-6 victory when they were last in action on Sunday to take 2 of 3 games from the New York Mets over the weekend. Philadelphia started slow but they have won 15 of their last 20 games, putting themselves in position to make a playoff push during the second half of the season. The Phils remain 10 1/2 games back of the Atlanta Braves in the NL East, but just 3 games out of the final NL Wild Card.
The Cubs have been hot lately as well but had a 4-game win streak snapped with a 7-5 road loss vs. the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday. Chicago had won 9 of its last 10 games prior to Sunday’s loss in London and have surged to 3rd place in the NL Central, 3 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
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Phillies at Cubs projected starters
LHP Ranger Suárez vs. RHP Jameson Taillon
Suárez (1-2, 3.50 ERA) makes his 9th start. He has a 1.28 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 through 43 2/3 IP.
- Has allowed a total of just 3 ER across his last 4 starts
- Has 22 strikeouts in 19 innings over his last 3 outings
- Boasts a 2.19 ERA through 4 road starts, though he has registered just 18 K in 24 2/3 IP in those outings
Taillon (2-5, 6.71 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.55 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 through 53 2/3 IP.
- Has allowed 4 ER or more in 6 of his last 8 starts, recording a 7.36 ERA over that span
- Averaging just over 4 1/3 IP per start on the season but has managed to work into the 6th inning in each of his last 4 turns
- Put up a 7.16 ERA in 6 home starts, though a .379 BABIP has played a role in those struggles
Phillies 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 1:22 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Phillies -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Cubs +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Phillies -1.5 (+135) | Cubs +1.5 (-160)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Phillies at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Phillies 6, Cubs 3
Moneyline
The Cubs are 2-10 in games started by Taillon this season, and he surrendered 6 ER over 2 2/3 innings in a road start against the Phillies on May 20. Both teams have been playing well lately but Suárez gives Philadelphia the clear pitching edge.
Back the PHILLIES (-125).
Run line/Against the spread
Though the Phillies are just 19-23 away from home this season, they have won 8 of their last 9 road tilts. Philadelphia got to Taillon back in May and the right-hander has been roughed up pretty consistently throughout the season. Look for the PHILLIES -1.5 (+135) to come out on top Tuesday by multiple runs.
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Over/Under
The Phillies have been playing very well recently and Tuesday should be a nice game for their offense. Suárez has been dominant lately but can’t be expected to completely shut down the Cub bats. Chicago ranks 9th in both runs per game at home and in wRC+ vs left-handed pitching.
There should be just enough offense from both sides to push this total OVER 8.5 (-110).
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