Since the 2000 New York Yankees, there has not been a repeat World Series champion. And the current defending champion Houston Astros are struggling to look like a contender. Although Houston is a perennial playoff team, they are in the red with the baseball betting odds. Houston has the look of a team with a World Series hangover. Also struggling to gain a foothold at the cashier’s cage is the Chicago Cubs. On Tuesday, the Astros will host the Cubs on TBS. The Cubs are playing better than expected. On the other hand, they have not developed consistency.
Chicago Cubs vs. Houston Astros Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 8:10 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas |
| TV Coverage: | TBS |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | +1½ (-150) | 7½ (-115) | +152 |  |
| Astros | -1½ (+130) | 7½ (-105) | -162 | |
| ||||
Cubs at Astros SBG Betting Odds Analysis
Cause by their status as World Series champions, the Astros command a full sports betting retail price. Especially when Houston is playing at home. Too many squares flock to power teams in the role of home favorites.
Chicago Cubs Team Overview
Overall, the Chicago Cubs are 19-20 straight up and 18-21- over/under the total. Chicago is 3rd in the National League Central Division standings. In the NL Central Division race, Chicago is three games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Late on, the Cubs have covered two out of their last six games. The Cubs have gone over the total in five of their previous six matchups. So far this season, the Cubs are 8-9 on the road.
To summarize, Chicago has MLB metrics of 9th for runs production, 7th for OPS, and 12th for home runs. Additionally, Chicago ranks 6th for earned run average, 4th for WHIP, 1st for quality starts, and 10th for bullpen efficiency. Also, Chicago ranks 9th for the fewest errors committed.
Accordingly, Patrick Wilson leads the Cubs with 25 runs, 12 home runs, 23 RBI, a. 348 on base percentage, a .607 slugging percentage, and .955 OPS.
Justin Steele is the probable starting pitcher for Chicago. In sum, Steele has a record of 6-0 with a 1.82 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. Top reliever Brad Boxberger has a record of 0-1 with two saves in two opportunities. His ERA is 5.52 with a 1.50 WHIP.
Houston Astros Team Overview
In sum, the Houston Astros are 20-19 straight up and 19-18-1 over/under the total. Houston is 4th in the American League West Division standings. Houston is six games behind the Texas Rangers in the American League West Division race. Late on, the Astros have covered three out of their last nine games. The Astros have gone under the total in four of their previous five matchups. Houston is 8-11 in home games this season.
Houston has MLB metrics of 21st for runs production, 28th for OPS, and 25th for home runs. Also, Houston ranks 4th for earned run average, 6th for WHIP, 8th for quality starts, and 5th for bullpen efficiency. Houston ranks 7th for the fewest errors committed.
Overall, Yordan Alvarez leads the Astros with 20 runs, nine home runs, 35 RBI, a .385 on base percentage, .562 slugging percentage, and .947 OPS.
Cristian Javier is the probable starting pitcher for Houston. In sum, Javier has a record of 3-1 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. And then closer Ryan Pressly has a record of 0-2 with six saves in six opportunities. His ERA is 3.86 with a 0.92 WHIP.
Cubs at Astros SBG Free Pick
In this situation, the Cubs will get a much more favorable MLB odds price.
Cubs at Astros SBG Best Bet: Chicago Cubs.