The Cubs look to bounce back from a home loss on Sunday as they host the struggling Astros at Wrigley Field Tuesday night to open a three-game series.
Here’s a betting preview of the game.
Astros vs. Cubs odds
- Moneyline: Astros -120, Cubs +102
- Run Line: Astros -1.5 (+134), Cubs -1.5 (-162)
- Total: Over 10 (-118), Under 10 (-104)
Odds via FanDuel
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Astros vs. Cubs prediction
Chicago is coming off a split of a four-game series with the last-place Marlins, capped off by a 6-3 defeat on Sunday afternoon.
The Cubs have done a solid job of bouncing back from defeats by going 6-1 in their last seven games coming off a loss.
The Astros have not been able to put things together through the first month following the retirement of manager Dusty Baker in the offseason.
Houston has started a disappointing 7-16 and sits in last place of the American League West after losing two of three games at Washington over the weekend.
The Astros have dropped three of their last four series while losing four of their past five series openers.
J.P. France looks to end that trend for Houston on Tuesday. The right-hander is winless in four starts, but those have come against the Rangers (twice), Yankees and Braves.
Countering for Chicago will be southpaw Jordan Wicks, who is seeking his first victory in five outings. The Cubs rallied past the Diamondbacks, 5-3, in his last start, although Wicks allowed two runs in less than five innings of work.
Wicks enters the series opener against Houston with an 0-2 record and a 5.29 ERA, but he has picked up at least five strikeouts in each of his four starts.
France struggled against the Cubs last season. In his lone start against Chicago, he allowed three home runs, including a pair to Seiya Suzuki, in a 7-6 Cubs victory.
On Tuesday night, France won’t have to worry about Suzuki, who is on the injured list with an oblique strain.
Astros vs. Cubs pick
Let’s back Houston here to turn things around with a victory as a short favorite against Chicago.
Pick: Astros moneyline (-115 at DraftKings)
