Jose Iglesias and the Cincinnati Reds are heading west to play their division rival Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The game gets underway 2:20 p.m. ET and NBC Sports Chicago is in line to broadcast the matchup.
Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs Odds
The Reds are 22-27 SU and have gone 28-21 against the spread (ATS). They’ve lost 3.4 units for moneyline gamblers over the early part of the season, despite having gained 4.7 units ATS. Cincinnati is 3-4 ATS over its last seven games and the total has gone under in four of those seven. The Cubs, on the other hand, are 29-19 SU and 23-24 ATS. The team’s gained 7.0 units for moneyline bettors while earning 0.9 units ATS. Chicago has covered the spread just twice over its last seven games and the total has gone over in four of those seven.
Cubs games have had an over/under record of 25-21-1 so far in 2019. The Reds have been a good under bet with a total record of 17-31-1.
Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani is the probable starter for Cincinnati. DeSclafani (2-2, 4.60 ERA) has racked up 50 strikeouts in 45 innings so far. He has yet to face Chicago this year, but he did make two starts against the team in 2018, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.38 ERA and eight strikeouts.
The Cubs will turn to righty Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.21 ERA), who’s got 45 strikeouts and 11 walks as well as a WHIP of 1.18. Hendricks is 1-0 with seven strikeouts and a 1.13 ERA in one start against Cincinnati this year.
Cincinnati’s pitching staff allowed 3.6 runs per game and its starters own a 3.47 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 9.93 K/9. The bullpen has logged an ERA of 3.56, along with a K/9 of 9.89.
The Reds offense has slashed .219/.293/.387 on its way to 4.1 runs scored per game in 2019, including 3.7 runs per game against divisional foes and 3.8 per game over the team’s last five outings (2-3 SU).
Shortstop Jose Iglesias and third baseman Eugenio Suarez have led Cincinnati’s hitters. Iglesias is slashing .303/.333/.426 with three home runs, 17 RBIs and 17 runs scored. Suarez (.254/.338/.531) has produced 13 homers, 31 RBIs and 27 runs scored.
For the home team, Chicago’s pitchers have allowed 4.1 runs per game overall this season. Its starting pitching staff has an ERA of 3.48, a WHIP of 1.28 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 8.8. The bullpen has a 3.90 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 9.1 K/9. In 15 games against NL Central foes, Cubs starters have an ERA of 3.71 and the bullpen’s ERA is 3.71.
Chicago’s hitters are putting up 5.4 runs per contest, including 5.3 per game against divisional foes and 5.6 per game over their last five. The team has slashed .288/.398/.476 over its last five games and is 3-2 SU during that stretch.
The Cubs’ offense has been led by shortstop Javier Baez and third baseman Kris Bryant. Baez is hitting .320/.361/.603 with 12 home runs, 33 RBIs and 36 runs scored, while Bryant’s line is .280/.407/.560 with 11 homers, 32 RBIs and 40 runs.
The Reds have lost 1.6 units and are 19-18 ATS when facing a righty starter this season. The over has cashed in 13 of those games, compared to 23 that’ve gone under in such games. On the other hand, the Cubs have netted 5.2 units and are 18-19 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher. The over’s hit in 19 of those games, as opposed to 18 which went under the total.
Reds vs. Cubs Free MLB Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Cubs, ATS Winner – Reds, O/U – OVER
Betting Notes
- The under has hit in three of Chicago’s last seven games.
- Chicago has posted 24.4 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 outings and 25.2 over its last five.
- The Reds have hit 12 home runs in their last 10 games. The Cubs have hit 16 over their last 10.
- The Reds have an OPS of .680 this season and an OPS of .668 against right-handed pitchers. The Cubs’ OPS stands at .805 overall and .810 versus righties.
