The Arizona Diamondbacks will be facing off against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. NBC Sports Chicago will broadcast this NL matchup. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs Odds
The Cubs are 58-42 straight up (SU) and 51-48 against the spread (ATS). The team has gained 1.6 units for moneyline bettors and 4.8 units (ATS). Chicago has covered the spread four times in its last seven games and the total has gone over in six of those seven. The Diamondbacks have gone 56-46 SU this year and are 52-49 ATS. In total, the teams gained 5.0 units for moneyline gamblers and 7.2 units ATS. Arizona has covered the spread four times in its last seven games and the under has hit in five of those seven.
Cubs games have had an over/under record of 48-50-1 in 2018. Arizona has an over/under record of 46-50-5.
The left-handed Robbie Ray is projected to start for the visiting Diamondbacks. Ray is 3-2 with a 5.37 ERA and 75 strikeouts. He has yet to face the Cubs this year and did not record a start against them in 2017, either.
The Cubs are handing the ball to lefty Jon Lester (12-3, 3.14 ERA), who’s got 89 strikeouts and 46 walks to his credit, as well as a 1.26 WHIP. Lester made two starts against the Diamondbacks in 2017, putting together a 0-1 record with a 5.40 ERA.
As a unit, Chicago’s pitchers have given up 4.1 runs per game overall this season. The teams starting pitching staff has an ERA of 4.04, a WHIP of 1.38 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 7.6. The bullpen has a 3.31 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 8.9 K/9.
The Chicago offense has put up 5.1 runs per contest, including 5.6 per game over its last 10 games and 3.8 per game over its last five. The team has hit .269/.364/.338 over its last five games and is 2-3 SU during that stretch.
Second baseman Javier Baez and left fielder Albert Almora Jr. have paced the Cubs batters this year. Baez is slashing .293/.326/.552 with 19 home runs, 74 RBIs, 63 runs and 19 stolen bases, while Almora Jr.’s line is .316/.354/.429 with four homers, 29 RBIs and 49 runs.
For the visitors, Arizona’s pitchers have allowed 3.9 runs per game and its starters own a 4.04 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 9.26 K/9. The bullpen has a solid ERA of just 2.95, along with a WHIP of 1.27.
Diamondbacks hitters have slashed .232/.313/.394 on their way to 4.5 runs scored per game this season, including 4.2 runs per game over the teams last 10 games and 6.6 per game over the teams last five outings (3-2 SU).
Arizona’s offense has been powered by left fielder David Peralta and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who have combined to swat 38 home runs. Peralta is slashing .288/.347/.497 with 16 home runs, 53 RBIs and 48 runs scored, while Goldschmidt is slashing .277/.383/.524 with 22 homers, 54 RBIs and 64 runs scored.
The Diamondbacks have gained 5.0 units and are 18-18 ATS when facing a lefty starter this season. The over has cashed in 15 of those games, compared to 18 that’ve gone under against left-handed starting pitchers. On the other hand, the Cubs have netted 7.3 units and are 14-10 ATS when facing a left-handed starting pitcher. The over has hit in 11 of those games, as opposed to 13 that’ve cashed the under.
Arizona Diamondbacks at Chicago Cubs Free MLB Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Cubs, ATS Winner – Diamondbacks, O/U – OVER
Betting Trends
- The under has hit in five of Arizona’s last seven games.
- The Cubs have lost three of their last four games SU.
- Chicago has posted 25.2 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 games and 21.0 over its last five.
- The Diamondbacks have hit four home runs in their last 10 games. The Cubs have hit eight over their last 10.
