A potential postseason preview is on tap tonight at Wrigley Field. The Braves (88-63) hold a 4.5-game lead for first place in the NL East, looking to stave off the Phillies. It’s a different story for the Cubs (84-67), who are angling for the Senior Circuit’s top wild card spot. Still, an offense loaded with impact bats is capable of taking Chicago to the World Series. Which of these two clubs
The Cubs are favorites (-143) over the Braves; the over/under is set at 8.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Tuesday’s showdown between Atlanta and Chicago on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Braves vs. Cubs pick, best bet today
- Cubs ML (-143): Chicago comes into this one with the superior lineup and a pitcher due for improvement in Gausman. In comparison, Perez has been a middling arm when pitching on the road. Recent struggles on offense make the Braves a difficult group to back on Tuesday.
Braves vs. Cubs prediction, preview
Martin Perez has been a pleasant surprise for the Braves, emerging as a key contributor in this rotation. Over 131.2 innings (24 starts), he’s notched a 3.08 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 98 strikeouts (6.7 K/9). During his last time out, the veteran tossed seven scoreless innings against a dangerous Rays squad. Perez has been effective thanks to a knack for limiting quality contact. He ranks within the 74th percentile or better in barrel rate (5.1%), hard-hit rate (36.7%) and ground ball rate (46.9%). If there’s any reason to doubt the southpaw tonight, it’s due to his splits. Perez pitches better at home (1.80 ERA) than he does on the road (4.76 ERA).
Atlanta’s hurler will need to be at his best during tonight’s high-stakes matchup. The Cubs are an offensive juggernaut, leading the majors in runs (806), home runs (208) and OPS (.771). Pete Crow-Armstrong is the headliner, angling for his first career MVP award. Over 151 games, the centerfielder is slashing .281/.374/.571 with 42 home runs and 37 stolen bases. However, this is far from a one-man show. Nine other Chicago batters (min. 200 plate appearances) have delivered a wRC+ of at least 100. As an added bonus, the Cubbies lead all other teams with a .804 OPS against left-handed pitching.
Chicago will send out one of its newest members to the mound this evening. Kevin Gausman has had an up-and-down first few months in Chitown. He’s on the hook for a lackluster 5.31 ERA over his last seven starts. However, he’s tossed seven innings while allowing two runs or fewer on three different occasions. In short, the right-hander has been hit or miss. Chicago is hoping for the former tonight against a solid Braves lineup. Gausman ranks within the 84th percentile in both chase rate and walk rate, providing some hope for a turnaround during the coming weeks.
It’s not as if the veteran’s opponents have been lighting it up either. The Braves are eighth in runs scored (696) and seventh in home runs (189), making them a group that pitchers need to respect. With that being said, the team has looked abysmal at the plate for much of the summer. Since August 1st, Atlanta’s 159 runs scored are the fourth-worst mark in all of baseball. Perhaps the biggest reason for this group’s struggles is plate discipline. The Braves are averaging just 2.89 walks per game, third-worst in the big leagues. As previously mentioned, Gausman has displayed exceptional command this season (2.5 BB/9).
The Cubs are an offensive juggernaut, which is bad news for Perez. Atlanta’s hurler has been far less formidable when pitching outside of Truist Park. On the other side, Gausman’s knack for limiting free passes could frustrate an already struggling Braves offense. At home, with a lethal lineup at their disposal, the Cubs should stack on another victory tonight.
More MLB Content & Betting Picks
- MLB DFS Picks Today: Top DraftKings Targets, Values for Tuesday 9/15/26
- Best Home Run Props for Tuesday 9/15/26
Tail all of today’s MLB action in the DKN Betting Group here.
