Chicago Cubs vs
Arizona DiamondbacksPredictions & Preview

Cubs vs. Diamondbacks Pitching Matchup Key in Crucial Game: Chicago Looks for Win After Tough Start

The Chicago Cubs (0-2) will face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks (0-0) in the second game of a four-game series to kick off the season. Both teams split their six-game series last season. Jamison Taillon will be the starting pitcher for the Cubs, while Merrill Kelly will take the mound for the Diamondbacks. Arizona is the betting favorite with a -130 opening line. Stay tuned for our Cubs vs. Diamondbacks prediction and more updates on the matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cubs +110 | Diamondbacks -130
• Spread: Cubs +1.5 (-198) | Diamondbacks -1.5 (+164)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Arizona will win straight-up is 57%.

Chicago vs Arizona Stats

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have had a challenging start to the season, with two losses already under their belt from the Tokyo Games against the Dodgers. Despite finishing sharing second place in the NL Central last season, the Cubs did not make the postseason. New addition Kyle Tucker had his first RBI with the team in Tokyo after joining from Houston in the offseason. The Cubs did not hit any home runs in Tokyo, but returning stars Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson contributed RBIs. Michael Busch had a strong season last year with 21 home runs. Jameson Taillon is set to make his first start of the season, coming off a successful season with a 12-8 record and a 3.27 ERA. The Cubs are currently ranked 11th in power rankings, boasting a strong offense and defense but are 0-2 this season.

Arizona Diamondbacks Analysis

The Arizona Diamondbacks had an impressive season last year, leading the league in runs scored despite not making it to the Playoffs. They scored 886 runs, beating out the Dodgers who finished with 842. The team made some roster changes, including bringing in power hitter Josh Naylor to replace Christian Walker. Key players like Ketel Marte and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. are expected to continue producing at the plate. Veteran pitcher Merrill Kelly is set to start the season opener after a shortened season due to injury. Despite a power ranking of 7, the Diamondbacks are ranked #0 for both offense and defense, with a 0-0 overall record. In their last 3 matchups, the Chicago team went 2-1 against Arizona.

Pitching Matchup Key as Chicago Cubs Face Arizona Diamondbacks in Crucial Game

The Chicago Cubs are set to face the Arizona Diamondbacks, with the former having had more at bats leading up to this matchup. However, the key factor in this game is not the number of at bats, but rather the pitching matchup. The Diamondbacks will be starting Merrill Kelly, a 36-year-old pitcher who is coming off a shoulder injury. It can be challenging for pitchers in their late 30s to fully recover from such injuries, and Kelly will need to demonstrate that he still possesses his effective pitching abilities. On the other hand, the Cubs are motivated for a win after losing their first two games in Tokyo. With a strong 3.27 ERA last season, pitcher Taillon will be crucial in preventing runs against the Diamondbacks. Additionally, the recent addition of Tucker to Chicago's lineup adds power and depth. This matchup may result in the Diamondbacks turning to their bullpen early, ultimately leading to a Chicago victory. Therefore, it is recommended to bet on the Cubs in this game.

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