The Chicago White Sox (15-11) and Chicago Cubs (16-8) will kick off a three-game series on Friday night. First pitch from Wrigley Field will be at 8:15 p.m. ET. We analyze the White Sox-Cubs betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.
White Sox at Cubs: Projected starting pitchers
LHP Dallas Keuchel vs. LHP Jon Lester
Keuchel has factored into the decision in each of his five starts, going 3-2 with a 3.07 ERA.
- Keuchel is averaging just 4.9 K/9, which is his lowest mark since his rookie year in 2012.
- In three career starts against the Cubs, Keuchel is 1-1 with a 4.02 ERA.
Lester is 2-0 in his four starts this season, pitching to a 2.74 ERA.
- Lester is struggling to strike batters out (career-low 5.5 K/9) but his WHIP is a career-best 0.870
- Lester has started 19 games against the White Sox in his career, going 11-6 with a 4.02 ERA.
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White Sox at Cubs: Key injuries
Get the latest injury news here.
White Sox
- CF Luis Robert (hand) questionable
- 2B Nick Madrigal (shoulder) out
- C Yasmani Grandal (back) questionable
- CF Leury Garcia (hand) out
Cubs
- 3B Kris Bryant (wrist) questionable
- RF Steven Souza Jr. (hamstring) out
White Sox at Cubs: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Cubs 5, White Sox 3
Moneyline (ML)
Both the White Sox (-112) and Cubs (+100) have played good baseball lately, with the White Sox winning five in a row; however, four of those games were against the lowly Detroit Tigers. The Cubs went 3-2 against the rival St. Louis Cardinals.
I’m going with the Cubs in this one, especially if Robert is sidelined. Lester is pitching well even with a lower strikeout rate and will limit the damage done by a hot White Sox team.
Take the CUBS (+100) at even money.
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The White Sox come in favored over the Cubs on the road, with a run line of -1.5 (+135). The Cubs are getting +1.5 runs at -162, which doesn’t provide much upside. Still, I feel good about the Cubs at least keeping it close, so getting runs is a solid bet, even against Keuchel.
Bet the CUBS +1.5 (-162) to cover the spread.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Over/Under is 9.5 in this matchup, tied for the highest of the night. Both starters come in with solid numbers despite striking out fewer batters than they’re used to.
In their last five meetings, the total has gone under four times. If Robert and Bryant are both sidelined, it’ll be a dent in both teams’ lineups, making the under all the more likely.
Bet the UNDER 9.5 (-110).
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