Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction: Will Andrew Abbott, Reds Find Success Early?
The Chicago Cubs play the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of their four-game series tonight. Will Andrew Abbott and the Reds find success early? Baseball handicapper The Professor breaks down the game and shares his pick.
The Professor - July 31, 2023, 1:24 PM EDT
5 minChicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction: Will Andrew Abbott, Reds Find Success Early?
Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher, Andrew Abbott, has been nothing short of sensational in his ten major league starts. The lefty burst onto the scene as the first pitcher since 1983 to debut with three scoreless starts of five innings or more.
Reds vs. Cubs Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: July 31, 2023
- Time: 8:05 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction
He has extended his early success by fooling some of the best hitters in the league on his way to posting a dominant 1.90 ERA. The young talent has changed the course of the season for the Reds, and with Abbott on the mound, they are 8-2 against this F5 innings line.
The Chicago Cubs' offense ranks 19th over the last month of the season, coming into this game with a .253 batting average, and is 21st in wRC+ (96) against left-handed pitchers. This will be the first time they face Abbott, giving him a great opportunity to continue his early success.
Marcus Stroman gets the nod for Chicago, and he has struggled mightily as of late. Over his last five starts, Stroman has a 7.61 ERA/1.73 WHIP. Opposing offenses have scored 4+ runs in four of his last five games. Considering the current form of each team's starting pitchers, I think there is value in backing the Reds to at least manage a tie through the F5 innings.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Pick
Cincinnati Reds F5 innings +0.5 -130 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds.
MLB Odds
