The Chicago Cubs (19-21) face a tough test against Framber Valdez at Minute Maid Park on Monday when the impressive left-hander takes the mound for the Houston Astros (21-19) to open a three-game Interleague series.
The Cubs are in the midst of a nine-game road trip. They won only one out of three in their last series against the Twins, dropping the finale 16-3 on Sunday at Target Field. Christopher Morel was 1 for 4 with a solo home run.
The Astros are back home for a six-game homestand after finishing up a nine-game road trip (5-4). They won two of three against the White Sox in their last series, taking the finale 4-3 on Sunday at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Yordan Alvarez’s hitting streak is now at 11 games as he went 2 for 4 with a double, one run, and two RBIs.
The teams are meeting for the first time since May 29, 2019, when the Cubs avoided a three-game series sweep with a 2-1 win at Minute Maid Park.
ON THE MOUND
Jameson Taillon (0-2, 6.41 ERA) is set to get the start for Chicago. The righty allowed four runs over 2.2 innings in his last start, a 6-4 road defeat against the Cardinals on Tuesday. He gave up five hits while striking out five and walking two in the no-decision.
Taillon made one start against the Astros in 2022, a 7-6 home victory for the Yankees on June 23. He surrendered six runs on 10 hits over 5.2 innings, striking out three.
For Houston, left-hander Valdez (3-4, 2.38 ERA) will toe the rubber. In his last start on Tuesday, Valdez got the win on the road against the Angels. He threw eight innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out 12, in the 3-1 victory.
AT THE PLATE
The Chicago offense is averaging 4.8 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .268/.343/.426. Patrick Wisdom leads the team in OPS at .955. The third baseman is slashing .248/.348/.607 with 12 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 25 runs over 35 games.
Against left-handed pitchers like Valdez this season, the Cubs have an .806 OPS, fifth highest in MLB. Yan Gomes is the team’s most productive hitter against left-handers with a 1.206 OPS in 30 at-bats. Houston is slashing .238/.308/.364 for the season and averaging 4.3 runs per game.
Alvarez leads the team with a .947 OPS. The left fielder has nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and 21 runs scored with a slash line of .281/.385/.562. The ‘Stros have a .652 OPS against righties in 2023, fourth lowest in the league. With a .930 OPS over 79 at-bats, Alvarez also has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 8-10 on the road in 2023, scoring 4.8 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. Houston has gone 8-11 at Minute Maid Park this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.0.
In the last 10 games between the teams at Minute Maid Park, each club has won five, though Chicago has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.5-3.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are third in the NL Central, three games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Astros are third in the AL West, four games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-190)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
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.
