Monday night starts a four-game series between National League Central foes as the Cincinnati Reds (58-49) take on the Chicago Cubs (53-52).
Before you consider your MLB picks, take a look at the following betting analysis and Reds vs Cubs prediction.
Reds vs. Cubs Odds
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Information
Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs
Location of the game: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois.
Date & Time: Monday, July 31. 8:05 pm ET.
How to watch: MLB.TV | Reds – Bally Sports Ohio | Cubs – Marquee Sports Network
Recent Scores
Looking at the recent MLB schedule, the Cincinnati Reds have been strong as of late, going 7-3 in their last ten MLB games. Over the weekend, they took two of three from the Los Angeles Dodgers, including a 9-0 shutout win on Sunday.
The only team hotter in the NL Central than the Reds as of late has been the Chicago Cubs. They have gone 8-2 in their last ten games. Over the weekend, they took three of four from the St. Louis Cardinals, although they did drop the finale on Sunday 3-0.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Betting Analysis
With the MLB Trade Deadline looming on Tuesday, both of these teams still have something to play for. Looking at the Cincinnati Reds’ record, they are 58-49. In the MLB standings, that record puts them in first place in the NL Central, a half-game up on the Brewers.
The Cubs don’t want to hear of any Cincinnati Reds predictions to win the NL Central as they have come storming back into contention. At 53-52, they sit just four games out of first place, making this a huge series for the Cubs and the Reds.
Reds Turn To Young Ace To Take Opening Game
In a team full of surprises, 24-year-old Andrew Abbott might be one of the best surprises of all for the Reds this season. Looking at his MLB player stats, he is 6-2 with a 1.90 ERA in 10 games. He also has a 0.96 WHIP and 66 strikeouts in 61.2 innings.
In his last two starts, he has gone 2-0 and has not allowed an earned run over 14 combined innings.
The Reds currently rank 10th out of all MLB teams in scoring, averaging 4.82 runs per game. They are led by Jake Fraley and Spencer Steer, who are tied for the team lead in home runs with 15 apiece.
Cubs Turn To Their Own Ace Monday
As recently as a week ago, many expected the Chicago Cubs to sell at the MLB Trade Deadline. Now, after going 8-2 in their last ten MLB games, they have declared they are going for it and holding onto their valuable pieces.
One piece that could have been moved had they sold will take the bump Monday in righty Marcus Stroman. Looking at his MLB player stats, he is 10-7 in 22 games with a 3.51 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and he has struck out 109 in 125.2 innings.
He is trying to bounce back from a rough start last outing, when he gave up seven earned runs over just 3.1 innings in a no-decision against the White Sox.
Looking at the Chicago Cubs statistics, some of their best hitters this year have been Patrick Wisdom (18 HR), Christopher Morel (16 HR, 48 RBI), Cody Bellinger (15 HR, 46 RBI, 55 R, 12 SB), and Dansby Swanson (12 HR, 44 RBI).
As a team, they rank seventh in scoring, averaging 4.94 runs per game (5.09 at home).
Key Injuries
Taking a look at the MLB injury report, the Reds will be without second baseman Jonathan India, who is on the injured list with a foot injury. Star starting pitcher Hunter Greene is also on the IL with a hip injury.
As for the Cubs, they have had better success with injuries, although they did just put Edwin Rios on the injured list with a groin injury.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
When making a Reds vs Cubs prediction, it is important to look at the MLB odds for this game.
The Cubs are the favorite in this one playing at home. They are -118 to win, while the Reds’ moneyline sits at +108.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Betting Prediction
- For our Reds vs Cubs prediction, we are taking the Reds in this one to win straight up at +108.
While Stroman will be better than his last outing, he is just 6-5 with a 3.07 ERA at Wrigley Field this year.
On the flip side, Andrew Abbott has been dominant regardless of the venue. On the road this season, he is 4-1 with a 2.25 ERA. With that dominance, there is a lot of value in taking the Reds to win.
Since there are two high-level pitchers going Monday, there could be value in taking the +1.5 on the spread as well as the under on the total runs, but you will need to wait to see if there is value when those lines get posted.
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