Cubs vs. Pirates MLB Odds, Pick & Preview: Value on Both a Side and Total in Pittsburgh (Thursday, June 23)
(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) Pictured: Jose Quintana.
- The Chicago Cubs look to escape Pittsburgh with a series split against the Pirates as they head into the finale of this four-game series.
- Justin Steele will look to clinch the series split for the Cubs, and he'll take on the surprisingly steady Jose Quintana.
- Jules Posner offers up a pair of best bets below.
Cubs vs. Pirates Odds
| Cubs Odds | -115 |
| Pirates Odds | +100 |
| Over/Under | 8.5 |
| Time | 12:35 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB.TV |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. | |
The Chicago Cubs look to escape Pittsburgh with a series split against the Pirates as they head into the finale of this four-game series.
So far, the series has been one of lopsided victories as the winner has won by six or more runs in each contest. This has also been surprising offensive output from two struggling offenses.
Justin Steele will look to clinch the series split on the hill for the Cubs and he'll take on the surprisingly steady Jose Quintana.
Chicago Cubs: Steele due for Strong Outing
The Chicago Cubs are still a mess. Somehow they are even more messy than the Pirates — a rarity in this day and age. The Cubs are 3-7 in their past 10 games and are simultaneously trying to keep up with the Pirates, while staying ahead of the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central.
Cubs' starter Justin Steele's home/road splits can be a little deceiving. Only four of his 13 starts this season have come on the road and in that small sample he has only racked up 15 1/3 innings. His ERA in those four road starts is 7.04, but his FIP is a healthy 2.73.
Considering his home peripherals align with his traditional home stats, Steele could be due for some positive regression against the Pirates.
Unfortunately, the Cubs' offense does not look as though they will be experiencing a positive regression. They are 29th in MLB in team wRC+ on the road against lefties over the past month.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signs of Progress Over Past Few Weeks
The Pirates have put their fate in the hands of their young prospects and they are going to let them learn at the big league level it seems. This is good.
Although the Pirates offense has struggled at home against lefties over the past month, the influx of youngsters should certainly give them a boost heading into the halfway point of the season.
Jose Quintana has also been a very steady option in the rotation and has gotten comfortable pitching at PNC Park. He has struggled over his past three starts as he's been hit around for a 7.24 ERA and a 6.71 FIP. The Cubs' offense could help him get back on track.
Additionally, the Pirates bullpen has been in the top half of the league in FIP and ERA over the past few weeks, so the signs that the Pirates rebuild is making progress are there.
Cubs-Pirates Pick
This isn't the most exciting match up on the slate, but there are actually a few things that have some appeal in this game. The starting pitching against the opposing offenses alone are worthy of a look at the total. It's presently at 8.5 runs, but may move down to 8 if it gets hammered hard.
Also, the Pirates' moneyline near, or in some cases in, plus money with their "ace" on the mound is also another intriguing option. If the moneyline stays at +100 all the better, but this should be taken to the -110 threshold. Might as well take the under too. If it stays at -115 or moves to 8 and the odds are around -110, have yourself a day.
Pick: Pirates ML +100 and Under 8.5 -115
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