The Diamondbacks and Cubs play the first game of their three-game series on Friday, May 1.
Chicago is a -136 moneyline favorite, while Arizona is +113 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Diamondbacks vs. Cubs game.
Diamondbacks vs. Cubs prediction, preview
The Diamondbacks are coming off an ugly series loss to the Brewers. Although Arizona won one of three, the two losses were 13-2 and 13-1. Milwaukee’s offense is elite through April, but that’s also the case with Chicago. The Cubs are averaging 5.45 runs per game, which ranks third in the majors.
That offense will be at home and rested after a six-game road trip that ended Wednesday. The Cubs won three of those six games, defeating the Padres twice and the Dodgers once. Arizona isn’t as potent as the other two NL West clubs, but it still poses a threat, especially with tonight’s pitching matchup.
Zac Gallen is starting for the Diamondbacks. This would be a negative for the team over the past couple seasons, but Gallen seems to have regained some of his All-Star form. The 2023 Cy Young finalist has a 3.14 ERA through six starts and 28.2 innings. Two problems, however, he’s not pitching deep into games, and he’s not striking out many batters. Gallen only has 17 strikeouts and has just one start of 6.0 innings.
That said, he’s certainly the better starter in this game. Colin Rea is on the mound for Chicago following a terrible outing against the Dodgers. He allowed six earned runs, six hits and four walks in 3.1 innings. The silver lining is that Los Angeles has arguably the best lineup in the majors. Arizona doesn’t quite match that, but this also isn’t a team to overlook.
Diamondbacks vs. Cubs Pick, Best Bet
Chicago is 19-12 and at home, but I don’t like this particular matchup. Gallen is pitching well, albeit in shorter outings, and the Diamondbacks’ offense is underrated.
Arizona ranks ninth in runs per game with 4.83. I expect Rea to struggle against that lineup.
