The Chicago Cubs have already punched their ticket to the MLB playoffs. While they still have to fight for seeding, the most challenging part of their regular season is now behind them. However, their division rivals, the Cincinnati Reds, are still vying for a spot in the postseason. Rival against rival with significant postseason implications; what more could you ask for?
The Cubs come in as -112 moneyline favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at nine runs. Let’s dig into a preview, prediction and best bet for this Cubs vs. Reds matchup.
Cubs at Reds prediction, preview
Chicago will use this relatively low-stakes opportunity to evaluate starter Javier Assad. After a strong start to his career, Assad was projected to be a big part of the rotation this year. Then he suffered an oblique injury in spring training, and a further setback sidelined him until August. Now they’re trying to see if Assad is worth adding to the playoff roster.
Assad took his lumps through his first five starts, pitching to a 4.62 ERA. Interestingly, his last appearance came out of the bullpen, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings in a tight win over the Rays. No shock after he threw this fit pregame.
His opposite number, Zack Littell, would love the luxury of facing a playoff roster decision. Cincinnati needs to keep winning while hoping the Mets drop a few games. Littell will have to change his fortunes in what has been a rough rental period with the Reds; after pitching to a 3.58 ERA with the Rays, he has a 4.74 ERA since being traded to Cincinnati.
It’s a challenging game to call with two scuffling pitchers on the mound. But one thing is for sure: these guys will give up some runs. It’ll be a high-scoring contest at the Great American Ballpark on Saturday.
