Christian Petersen/Getty Images. Pictured: Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner.
| Cubs Odds | -150 |
| Diamondbacks Odds | +130 |
| Over/Under | 9 (+100/-105) |
| Time | 9:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | BSAZ |
The Chicago Cubs have been in the news more for the rampant trade rumors surrounding Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo, rather than their on-field performance that has seen quite the downturn.
Chicago was in the midst of a brutal 11-game losing streak, but then won two out of four games against the Phillies and Cardinals, respectively, heading into the All-Star break and second half of the season.
Manager David Ross’ club was shut out in each of its last two losses, ending the first half of the season with a 6-0 defeat to the Cardinals in St. Louis. In that game, Kwang Hyun Kim was in complete control of Chicago’s lineup. He went six innings, collecting seven strikeouts and a walk.
Fortunately for the Cubs, the Diamondbacks are struggling even more than they are at the moment.
By the numbers, the 26-66 Diamondbacks have one of the worst pitching staffs in the league, ranking in the bottom three in the MLB in Quality Starts, ERA, BAA and WHIP.
However, Arizona is almost league average when it comes to generating runs despite its overall struggles. With Madison Bumgarner looking to return to form on the mound against the Cubs on Friday, our latest PRO Report shows which way bettors are leaning in this contest.
MLB Picks: Cubs vs. Diamondbacks
Big Money
At the time of this writing, the 30% of bettors backing the Diamondbacks have generated 61% of the money wagered on this matchup.
This 31% difference is a big indicator the biggest bets being placed — the ones likely to be made by sharp bettors — are being put in on the Diamondbacks’ moneyline.
Model Projections
The Action Network’s MLB Power Ratings make the moneyline ARI +105 odds.
Top Experts
Two of The Action Network’s top MLB experts are betting on Arizona.
PRO Report Pick: Diamondbacks +130 (+139 at PointsBet)