Justin Steele, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, leads the Chicago Cubs (-150) into Minute Maid Park on Tuesday as they match up against the Houston Astros (+130). The early total was set at 7.5. The Astros (22-19) took Monday’s series opener 6-4.
Rafael Montero got the win with one scoreless inning of relief, and Hector Neris picked up his second save with a scoreless ninth. Alex Bregman went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Jose Abreu added a double, one run, and two RBIs. Christopher Morel was 1 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs for the Cubs (19-22).
ON THE MOUND
Steele (6-0, 1.82 ERA) is set for the start for Chicago. The left-hander is tied for the NL lead in wins and is second in ERA. Steele allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, a 10-4 road win over the Cardinals on Wednesday.
He got the win, scattering seven hits while striking out three and walking three. Right-hander Cristian Javier (3-1, 3.47 ERA) will toe the rubber for Houston.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cubs. In his last start on Wednesday, Javier got the win on the road against the Angels. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on three hits, striking out 11 and walking one in the 5-4 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 4.8 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against righties like Javier this season, the Cubs have a .749 OPS. Ian Happ is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a 1.025 OPS in 106 at-bats.
Houston is averaging only 4.2 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.3 for the season. The ‘Stros have a .733 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a 1.001 OPS over 36 at-bats, Jeremy Pena has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is on a three-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 8-11 in 2023. The Cubs have scored 4.8 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.3 runs.
Houston has gone 9-11 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. The teams have split their last 10 games at Minute Maid Park, though Chicago has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.8-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are third in the NL Central, four games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Astros are second in the AL West, three games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-165)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
