We're set to bring you another betting prediction and pick for today's slate of action across the MLB. We head to the National League for this Divisional matchup between bitter rivals as the Chicago Cubs (27-23) will visit the St. Louis Cardinals (23-26) for the first game of their three-game series. Check out our MLB odds series for our Cubs-Cardinals prediction and pick.

The Chicago Cubs are currently second in the NL Central standings and trail the Milwaukee Brewers by just 1.5 games. After an extremely hot start to their season, they've gone just 6-9 over their last 15 games. They're dealing with a ton of injuries to their pitching staff and they're hoping their young offense can carry them through this rivalry series. Shota Imanaga (5-0) will be their starter.

The St. Louis Cardinals are third in the NL Central behind the Cubs by 3.5 games. They recently just saw a seven-game losing streak that saw them take a slide in the standings, but they've recently responded with seven wins during their last nine contests. They'll have an added day of rest before hosting the Cubs at home. Miles Mikolas (3-5) will be their expected started.

Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Cubs-Cardinals Odds

Chicago Cubs: -1.5 (+112)

Moneyline: -148

St. Louis Cardinals: +1.5 (-134)

Moneyline: +126

Over: 8.5 (+100)

Under: 8.5 (-122)

How to Watch Cubs vs. Cardinals

Time: 8:15 p.m. ET/ 5:15 p.m. PT

TV: ESPN, Marquee Sports Network

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Cubs Will Cover The Spread/Win

After a great start to April that saw them go 17-9, the Chicago Cubs have dropped down a bit to four games above the .500 mark. They're still playing above their original expectations for the season, but they're still not up to full strength and we have yet to see the true potential of this team. Much of that is due to their deep injuries to their pitching staff, losing key starters like Drew Smyly and Jordan Wicks who, as of now, look like the future of this Cubs rotation. Their offense has also taken a downturn as they've hit just two home runs over the last 7 days.

Shota Imanaga (LHP) will be looking to remain perfect through his first six MLB starts. He's been sensational so far, winning all five of his starts and pitching with a 0.83 ERA. At home, he's notched 32 strikeouts and has gone 2-0 through his only starts. While the year has been tough in terms of injuries, Imanaga has been a massive bright spot for the Cubs and so far, he's been their most consistent player throughout the entire roster. Look for him to give them the best chance at winning this game.

The Cubs have been hitting better against RHP this season and they'll have a chance to wake their bats up against a divisional rival. They've been solid in opening series' this year so expect the Cubs to get out to a fast start.

Why The Cardinals Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Cardinals have been up-and-down this year and they're currently hitting an upswing over their last 10 games. They're coming into this series after a sweep of the Orioles and consecutive series wins over the Red Sox and Angels. They'd like to see more of these kinds of runs as opposed to the lengthy losing streaks they've seen this year. The Cardinals have scored 34 runs in their last six games so they'll have the upper hand in terms of offense against the slumping Cubs.

Miles Mikolas (RHP) will be making his ninth start of the season while looking for his first home win on the year. As a team, the Cardinals are 11-12 at home, but Mikolas would particularly like to improve his performance as he's posting a 6.20 ERA at Busch Stadium this year. His strikeout numbers have also been lacking at home, but with their recent success from the plate, Mikolas could see some run support through the first few innings if he's able to hang in there. His WHIP is up by 1.40, so he'll want to sit the first batter down in each inning to give his team a chance.

In 149 AB's against this Cubs team, Mikolas has only allowed two home runs and 40 hits. The Cardinals will have to address their home woes sooner or later, so expect them to be determined to control this series from the opening game.

Final Cubs-Cardinals Prediction & Pick

This will be a fun rivalry series in St. Louis and the Chicago Cubs are coming into this one with one of the hottest pitchers in the NL right now with Shota Imanaga. The Cubs find ways to win when he's on the mound and the defense playing behind him has been a model of consistency all year. However, the Cubs have struggled from the plate and they'll need to wake up from their recent scoring drought.

While the Cardinals are hitting the ball well right now, we can't fade Imanaga while he's still perfect in his first career starts. Watching him so far has been special and with the Cubs' pitching taking a hit to injury, they're happy to put forward a full effort with their best pitcher on the mound. Let's roll with the Cubs to get this win.

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Final Cubs-Cardinals Prediction & Pick: Chicago Cubs -1.5 (+112)