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The Chicago Cubs will take on the defending champion Atlanta Braves in the concluding matchup of a three-game set at Trust Park on Thursday evening. It's about that time! Take a sneak peek at our MLB odds series, where our Cubs-Braves prediction and pick will be made.
At a record of 8-10, Chicago is seeking to inch closer to the .500 mark after a hard-fought 6-3 victory yesterday against the Braves. In order to turn that into a reality, the Cubs will send out LHP Drew Smyly in the rubber match, as the lefty is currently 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA in three starts to begin 2022.
Similarly, the Braves have gotten off to a rough start this season, as Atlanta sits at 8-11 and is already 5.5 games back of the Mets for the NL East lead. Enter RHP Kyle Wright, who accumulated an impressive 1.06 ERA in his trio of starts and looks like a solid lock within the Braves' pitching staff.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Cubs-Braves MLB odds:
MLB odds: Cubs-Braves Odds
Chicago Cubs: +1.5 (-105)
Atlanta Braves: -1.5 (-115)
Over: 8 (-114)
Under: 8 (-106)
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Why The Cubs Could Cover the Spread
In their victory over the Braves on Wednesday, Chicago spanked eleven hits off of Atlanta pitching and scored three runs in the tenth inning to ensure their eighth win of the season. With little expectations heading into 2022, Chicago needs to play a brand of baseball that is carefree without little to no pressure on their shoulders. While this bunch is far from the squad that won the World Series six years ago, they are a gritty group that will make you work for all 27 outs.
In order to cover the spread, expect the Cubs to play aggressively on the base paths and be patient in their at-bats at the plate, which should put all the pressure on the World Series champs to make plays in the field.
While the pitching has been shaky to say the least, who would've expected the Cubs to have one of the more premier offenses in the game? Heading into their 19th game played in 2022, Chicago has tied for third with 91 runs, and has gotten an abundant amount of production from some players that are trying to make a name for themselves within the Cubs' clubhouse.
As international star outfielder Seiya Suzuki is already imposing his will on the opposition with four home runs and 14 RBIs, it has been the play of center-fielder Ian Happ that has been the most encouraging part of the Chicago offensive attack. After his first few years saw him not live up to expectations, Happ has bursted onto the scene in 2o22 with his team-leading .340 batting average.
Even shortstop Nico Hoerner has come into his own through 57 at-bats, as the 24-year-0ld is raking a .316 average at the moment.
Why The Braves Could Cover the Spread
Rejoice Braves faithful, for your franchise cornerstone in OF Ronald Acuna Jr., is finally expected to come off the IL and return to play on Thursday. Currently listed as probable, the big bat of Acuna and ranging athleticism in the outfield of Trust Park will prove to be a ginormous spark plug for a struggling Braves squad.
Before tearing his ACL in July of last year, Acuna was slashing .281/.392/.593 with 24 long balls and even led the MLB with 71 runs scored. In the middle of the lineup, there is no reason to doubt that Acuna will finish what he started in 2021.
On the hill, the former fifth pick of the 2017 MLB Draft Kyle Wright looks the part to becoming a certified stud among the Braves' pitching staff.
Through 17 innings pitched, Wright has left opposing hitters baffled with his 26 strikeouts during that time frame. In fact, Wright is coming off a double-digit strikeout performance against Miami where he set down 11 batters on strikes in six innings of shutout baseball.
This outing should serve as the ultimate test for the righty, as the Cubs lead the majors in runs per game with 5.06.
Final Cubs-Braves Prediction & Pick
The return of Acuna Jr. is a factor that should not be overlooked. There will be a buzz among Braves fans in attendance, as the Atlanta slugger will provide a sense of swagger at the plate for the entire offense. Not to mention, but Kyle Wright looks ready to take that next step in becoming the next Atlanta ace. The Cubs got the best of the Brave yesterday, but that will not be the case this evening. Chicago is only 2-8 in their past ten matchups and is a lowly 21-53 in the past 74 games as the underdog.
Final Cubs-Braves Pick: Braves -1.5 (-114)
