Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Odds, Picks, Prediction: Back Nick Lodolo at the Field of Dreams?
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Odds, Picks, Prediction: Back Nick Lodolo at the Field of Dreams?
The MLB will showcase their annual Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa. Last year, the White Sox defeated the Yankees, 9-8 in an exciting back-and-forth game.
However, tonight, don't expect a crazy showcase like the previous year. This year's game is between two teams that won't be making the playoffs. It's the Chicago Cubs against the Cincinnati Reds.
Despite having a game between two non-playoff teams, there will still be many eyes on this game. That's what matters the most!
Which team will win this year's Field of Dreams game? Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Thursday's game between the Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds.
Reds vs. Cubs Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: August 11, 2022
- Game Time: 7:15 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Reds vs. Cubs Injury Report
Reds
Out: 3B Mike Moustakas (Calf), OF Max Schrock (Knee), C Tyler Stephenson (Shoulder)
Cubs
Out: OF Michael Hermosillo (Quadriceps), OF Jason Heyward (Knee)
Reds vs. Cubs Line Movement
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction
It's going to be a battle of lefties in tonight's game. The Reds' rookie, Nick Lodolo, will take on Cubs veteran Drew Smyly.
Lodolo has a 3-3 record with a 4.40 ERA on the season. The lefty has struck out 29.1% of batters in the last 30 days. This has allowed him to work his way out of trouble. In the same 30 days, Lodolo has an xFIP of 4.74 with 12.8% of walks.
He's also not going to get a whole lot of ground balls and has given up 23.9% of line drives in those last 30 days.
However, the Cubs have not hit lefties well recently. The projected lineup is hitting a .138 ISO with a wOBA of .228 in the last 30 days. This lineup will include newly acquired designated hitter, Franmil Reyes. Reyes was claimed off waivers from Cleveland. He's obviously not hitting well, just like the rest of the lineup.
The Cubs have struck out 24.1% of the time against lefties in the last 30 days and won't have it any easier against Lodolo.
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On the other hand, Drew Smyly will get the call for the Cubs. He's 4-6 with a 3.97 ERA on the season. However, in the last 30 days, Smyly has had an xFIP of 5.18 with under 20% of strikeouts.
Like Lodolo, he won't get a ton of grounders and has allowed 22.4% of line drives in the last 30 days.
Smyly hasn't allowed a crazy amount of extra-base hits but has allowed a wOBA of .333 to his last 60 righties faced. The Reds are hitting a .123 ISO along with a .320 wOBA against lefties in the last 30 days with their projected lineup.
Neither offense looks all that appealing, but the Reds have more opportunity with five batters hitting a wOBA of at least .354 against lefties in the last 30 days.
If Lodolo can escape damage with his high strikeout rate and the Reds are able to hit a couple of balls with runners in scoring position, the Reds will ultimately win this game.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Pick
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Article Author
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.