Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

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The streaking Chicago Cubs will go for their fifth consecutive victory as they play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. This NL matchup begins at 2:20 p.m. ET and you can watch the game on WLS and FSAZ.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs Odds

The Cubs are 9-9 straight up (SU) and 8-9 against the spread (ATS). The team has lost 3.4 units for moneyline bettors and 2.8 units ATS. Chicago has covered the spread five times in its last seven games and the total has gone under in five of those seven. On the other hand, the Diamondbacks have gone 10-10 SU this year and are 13-6 against the spread. Overall, the club has gained 3.3 units for moneyline gamblers in this young season and 6.2 units ATS. Arizona has covered the spread six times in its last seven games and the total has gone under in three of those seven.

Chicago games have an over/under record of 10-6-1 so far in 2019. Diamondbacks games have gone over 11 times, gone under six times and pushed on two occasions.

Zack Greinke will get the start for the D-backs. The right-handed Greinke is 2-1 with a 5.79 ERA and 28 strikeouts. He has yet to face the Cubs this year and did not record a start against them in 2018, either.

The Cubs are countering with Yu Darvish (1-2, 6.11 ERA). Darvish has 18 strikeouts and 15 walks, along with a WHIP of 1.75. Darvish did not re a start against the Diamondbacks in 2018.

As a unit, Chicago’s pitching staff has given up 4.8 runs per game overall this year. Its starting pitching staff has a 3.79 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings. The bullpen has a 5.22 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 10.0 K/9.

Chicago’s offense has put up 6.0 runs per outing, including 4.8 per game over its last 10 games and 5.4 per game over its last five. The team’s hit .251/.378/.395 over its last five games and is 4-1 SU during that span.

Shortstop Javier Baez and right fielder Jason Heyward have paced the Cubs’ offense this year. Baez is hitting .304/.329/.595 with six home runs, 16 RBIs and 16 runs scored, and Heyward is hitting .358 with four homers, 11 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

In the visiting dugout, Arizona’s pitchers have allowed 5.4 runs per game and its starting pitchers own a 5.03 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 9.73 K/9. The bullpen has logged an ERA of 5.35, along with a K-per-9 of 8.74.

Diamondbacks hitters have slashed .266/.330/.460 on their way to 5.2 runs scored per game this season, including 4.3 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 5.0 per game over the team’s last five contests (4-1 SU).

Arizona’s hitters have been led by outfielders David Peralta and Adam Jones. Peralta is slashing .361/.404/.554 with 30 hits, 10 RBIs and 12 runs scored. Jones (.316/.393/.582) is up to 25 hits, five homers, 13 RBIs and 11 runs scored.

The Diamondbacks have lost 0.7 units and are 7-3 ATS when facing a righty starter this season. The over has cashed in five of those games, compared to five that’ve gone under against right-handed starting pitchers. On the other hand, the Cubs have lost 3.4 units and are 6-7 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher. The over’s hit in eight of those games, as opposed to five that’ve gone under.

Diamondbacks at Cubs Free MLB Pick

Predictions: SU Winner – Cubs, ATS Winner – Diamondbacks, O/U – OVER

Betting Notes

  • Arizona has tallied 18 extra-base hits over its last five outings. Chicago has 17 XBH over its last five.
  • Both teams have hit 10 home runs over their last 10 games.
  • The Diamondbacks have an OPS of .790 this season and an OPS of .740 when facing right-handed pitchers. The Cubs’ OPS sits at .813 overall and .829 versus righties.
  • Arizona has recorded 21.1 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 contests and 24.2 over its last five.
  • The Cubs have won six of their last seven games SU.