Javier Baez and the struggling Chicago Cubs will be taking on the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in a Wednesday night game. This interleague matchup can be viewed across the country on ESPN and the game gets underway 8:10 p.m. ET.
Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros Odds
Las Vegas has Houston (-110) as the favorite over Chicago (+100). If you’re thinking this game’s total is going to finish under 9 runs, then bookmakers are currently offering -120 odds. Picking the over return even money (+100). This game currently has a runline of Cubs +1.5 (-210) and Astros -1.5 (+175).
The Astros are 37-19 straight up (SU) and 30-25 against the spread (ATS). The team’s gained 4.7 units for moneyline bettors and 3.7 units ATS. Houston has covered the spread only twice in its last seven games and the total has gone under in five of those seven. The Cubs are 30-23 SU and have gone 25-27 against the spread. In total, the club has accumulated 2.5 units for moneyline bettors, but have lost 1.9 units ATS. Chicago is 3-4 ATS over its last seven games and the total has gone over in six of those seven.
Houston games have an over/under record of 23-31-1 thus far in 2019. Chicago has been a decent over bet with a total record of 30-21-1.
Kyle Hendricks is getting the start for the visiting Cubs. The right-handed Hendricks is 4-4 with a 3.34 ERA and 54 strikeouts. He has yet to face the Astros this year and did not record a start against them in 2018, either.
The Astros are sending lefty Wade Miley (5-2, 3.32 ERA) to the mound. Miley has 45 punchouts and 15 walks as well as a 1.16 WHIP. Miley made two starts against the Cubs in 2018, compiling a perfect 2-0 record with a 2.45 ERA and six strikeouts.
Chicago’s pitchers have allowed 4.5 runs per game and its starters own a 3.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 8.55 K/9. The bullpen has an ERA of 3.97, along with a K-per-9 of 9.11.
Cubs hitters have slashed .258/.350/.463 on their way to 5.4 runs scored per game this season, including 5.4 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 5.2 per game over the team’s last five contests (1-4 SU).
Chicago’s offensive production has been led by shortstop Javier Baez and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who’ve collectively belted 28 home runs. Baez is hitting .307/.348/.577 with 13 home runs, 34 RBIs and 37 runs scored, while Rizzo (.290/.406/.597) has produced 15 homers, 42 RBIs and 36 runs scored.
In the other dugout, Houston’s pitching staff has given up 3.6 runs per game overall this season. The club’s starters have a 3.74 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings. The bullpen has posted a solid ERA of just 2.91, a WHIP of 1.08 and a K/9 of 9.9.
The Houston hitters are putting up 5.3 runs per contest, including 3.9 per game over its last 10 games and 4.8 per game over their last five. The team has a slash-line of .258/.342/.393 over its last five games and is 4-1 SU during that span.
The Astros’ hitters have been led by outfielders Michael Brantley and George Springer. Brantley is hitting .325/.380/.541 with 10 home runs, 36 RBIs and 30 runs scored, while Springer’s line sits at .308/.389/.643 with 17 homers, 43 RBIs and 41 runs scored.
The Cubs have gained 1.8 units and are 5-5 ATS when facing a lefty starter this season. The over has hit in six of those games, compared to three that’ve gone under in such games. On the other hand, the Astros have netted 0.0 units and are 20-17 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher. The over has hit in 17 of those games, compared to 19 which went under the total.
Cubs at Astros MLB Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Astros, ATS Winner – Cubs, O/U – OVER
Betting Notes
- The over has hit in six of Chicago’s last seven games.
- The Cubs have lost five of their last six games SU while the Astros have won four of their last five.
- Chicago has recorded 24.0 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 games and 22.8 over its last five.
- The Cubs have hit 22 home runs in their last 10 games, including 16 over their last five.
- The Cubs have an OPS of .813 this season and an OPS of .763 when facing left-handed pitchers. The Astros’ OPS sits at .845 overall and .892 against lefties.
