The Chicago Cubs will host the Cleveland Indians for the first of a three-game set on Monday night. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a prediction and pick for Indians-Cubs.
Cleveland has been on the come-up lately and now sit in second in the AL Central with a 39-30 record. The Indians have won seven of their last 10 games despite losing two of their last three to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The NL Central-leading Cubs (tied with the Milwaukee Brewers) have been very solid this season with a 40-32 record. However, the Cubs have been struggling of late with wins in just two of their last seven games to date.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Indians-Cubs odds.
MLB Odds: Indians-Cubs Odds
Cleveland Indians +1.5 (-160)
Chicago Cubs -1.5 (+140)
Over 7 Runs (-118)
Under 7 Runs (-102)
Why The Indians Could Cover The Spread
The Indians are a talented club that seems to be returning to form in the month of June. They've dealt with some difficult injuries this season, as slugging third baseman Jose Ramirez continues to battle a foot issue. Despite the injuries, the Indians are 8-4 over their last 12 games coming into this series. Cleveland is in the middle of the pack in the league in most statistical categories.
Cleveland will turn to right-hander Aaron Civale for the series opener. Civale has had an impressive season, entering with a 10-2 record and 3.48 ERA through 14 starts. With both Shane Bieber and Zach Plesac on the injured list, Civale is now the front man of this rotation for the time being. The young right-hander will make his second career start against the Cubs. He allowed just two runs over six innings in his first start against this foe.
Why The Cubs Could Cover The Spread
The Cubs are 7-2 in their last nine home games to date and 25-12 at Wrigley on the season. Over the last 15 games, Chicago is tied for third in the majors in home runs with 23 as a club. The Cubs have had the Indians' number of late with wins in four of the last six head-to-head matchups.
Chicago will turn to right-hander Adbert Alzolay for the series opener. Alzolay is having a decent season with a 4-5 record and 4.06 ERA through 11 starts this season. The Cubs right-hander will make his first start since a 10-day IL stint. He has been dealing with a blister on his right middle finger and should finally be back to full strength. The righty was dealing in his past seven starts before the recent trip to the IL, with 41 strikeouts, six walks, and a 2.95 ERA in 39 2/3 innings of work.
Final Indians-Cubs Prediction & Pick
I'm riding with the Chicago Cubs to take the series opener against the Cleveland Indians. For starters, this game is being played at Wrigley Field, which is always advantage Cubs. Chicago's power-hitting lineup also matches up well with Civale, who has given up six home runs over his past four starts. The Indians also have a depleted bullpen that has had to work extra hard lately with their top two starters currently nursing injuries. In what should be a fairly even series throughout, look for the Cubs to come away victorious on Monday night.
FINAL PICK: Chicago Cubs ML (-150)
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