MLB: Red Sox vs Cubs Odds, Analysis, & Picks

The Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs will continue a three-game series on Saturday, July 19 at Wrigley Field in the Windy City. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM ET. Chicago took the series opener on Friday as the second half of the campaign began, winning 4-1. It’s an intriguing matchup on the mound here as Brayan Bello goes to battle with Shota Imanaga. Read below for the Red Sox vs Cubs betting picks.

Odds provided by Sports Interaction.

Red Sox vs Cubs Odds

The Cubs are a -150 favorite for Game 2 of this series. While the Red Sox return as a +125 underdog at MLB betting sites.

Red Sox vs Cubs Analysis

It was an up and down first half for the Red Sox, who were in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Boston decided to trade franchise star Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, who was their best player and an icon for the organization. Results since shipping off Devers have been mixed, but the front office remains committed to competing for a postseason spot this year. The trade deadline will be an interesting one to see if the Red Sox do indeed decide to be buyers rather than sellers. As things stand, Boston is only 3.5 games out of first place in the American League East. They’re also in the AL Wild Card mix. The Sox had a 10-game winning streak before Friday’s defeat.

Taking the hill on Saturday is Bello, arguably the team’s best starter. The Dominican has gone 6-3 this season in 16 appearances, compiling a 3.14 ERA. Bello has struck out 70 hitters in 91.2 innings of work while walking 34. He’s been dominant so far in July, pitching to a 2.21 ERA. The right-hander hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in a single start this month. Needless to say, he comes into this outing in good form. He’ll need it against a strong Cubbies offense.

Chicago may not be considered a World Series contender at this moment, but they’re certainly going to be a playoff team this fall who could end up making some serious noise. Craig Counsell’s ball club is leading the National League Central with a 58-39 record, but the Milwaukee Brewers are right on their heels in second, just 1.5 games behind them. The Cubbies came out to play to begin the second half on Friday, riding behind a three-run homer from Seiya Suzuki en route to the home victory.

His Japanese compatriot will get the ball on Saturday. Imanaga is dealing, posting a 6-3 record and 2.65 ERA. He’s held opponents to a mere .192 average. However, most of Imanaga’s success has came on the road where he has a 1.33 ERA. At home, the southpaw owns a 4.61 ERA in five outings. He’ll be looking to turn that around here. Imanaga’s last start at Wrigley was on July 2, allowing three earned to the Cleveland Guardians. All three runs came via the home run.

Red Sox vs Cubs Picks

Imanaga’s struggles at home are clear. Bello meanwhile is pitching extremely well and I expect him to keep Chicago at bay offensively. I’ll take the Red Sox to even up this series before the finale on Sunday. Lock in the Boston moneyline.

Pick: Red Sox +125 /Sports Interaction