Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds 5/26/23

Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds 5/26/23
Fri 26th May 2023

Justin Steele, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Chicago Cubs (22-27) as they host the Cincinnati Reds (21-29) at Wrigley Field on Friday to open a three-game series. The Reds are embarking on a six-game road trip after wrapping up a difficult seven-game homestand (2-5).

They split their last series against the Cardinals, dropping the finale 2-1 on Thursday at Great American Ball Park. Spencer Steer was 2 for 4 with a double and one run.

The Cubs are in the midst of a nine-game homestand. They won two of three against the Mets in their last series, dropping the finale 10-1 on Thursday at Wrigley Field. Dansby Swanson went 1 for 4 with a solo home run.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The NL Central rivals have split their games this season 1-1, as the Cubs evened the season series with a 12-5 victory in their most recent meeting on April 4 at Great American Ball Park. Adbert Alzolay threw 2.2 innings out of the bullpen to get the win.

ON THE MOUND

Hunter Greene (0-4, 4.68 ERA) is set to take the mound for Cincinnati. The right-hander is tied for fifth in the NL in strikeouts (69). Greene allowed four runs over seven innings in his last start, a 4-1 road defeat against the Yankees on Sunday.

He took the loss, giving up four hits while striking out 10 and walking three. Greene is making his first appearance against the Cubs this season. Over three starts against the Cubs in 2022, Greene was 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA over 15 innings.

He had 19 strikeouts and five walks. For Chicago, left-hander Steele (6-1, 2.20 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds. Steele made two appearances against the Reds in 2022, both starts, striking out eight and walking five over seven innings (1-1, 10.29).

In his last start on Sunday, Steele took a no-decision on the road against the Phillies. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up four hits, striking out six and walking one in the 2-1 defeat. The lefty is tied for the NL lead in wins and is third in ERA.

AT THE PLATE

The Cincinnati offense is averaging 4.3 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .248/.325/.376. Steer leads the team in OPS at .809. The third baseman is slashing .278/.348/.461 with six home runs, 22 RBIs, and 25 runs over 47 games.

Against lefties like Steele this season, the Reds have a .735 OPS. Nick Senzel is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a 1.207 OPS in 36 at-bats. Chicago is slashing .260/.338/.426 for the season and averaging 4.7 runs per game.

Four Cubs hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Seiya Suzuki (.887). The left fielder has six home runs, 19 RBIs, and 16 runs scored with a slash line of .293/.383/.504.

Chicago is averaging only 3.2 runs per game in the last five with their slash line slipping across the board (.195/.297/.371). The Cubs have a .745 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .952 OPS over 131 at-bats, Ian Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Cincinnati is 7-15 away from Great American Ball Park in 2023, scoring 3.9 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. Chicago has gone 13-12 at Wrigley Field this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. In the last 10 games between the teams at Wrigley Field, Chicago is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.9-3.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Reds are fifth in the NL Central, six games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, four games behind the Brewers.

SportsTips’ MLB Pick:

Chicago Cubs (-150)

Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with betmgm image today!

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.

SportsTips covers all the latest betting, odds, picks & predictions news when it comes to major American sports like NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL. If you want to stay up to date with the latest information, SportsTips has you covered!