The Cubs (19-21) limp into Houston after being outscored 27-4 by the Twins the last two games. The Astros (21-19) took two of three from the White Sox in the Windy City this weekend, and now look to at least repeat that – if not aim for the sweep – as they play the other Chicago team to kick off the week.
Before Betting on Cubs vs Astros
The Cubs bullpen is stretched a bit thin as neither Hayden Wesneski nor Marcus Stroman could complete more than 5.0 IP in their respective starts on Saturday and Sunday. Stroman was especially bad in the series finale in Minnesota, going just 2.2 IP while giving up 6 ER which forced manager David Ross to use five relievers as well as position player Miles Mastrobuoni.
Chicago would love a long start from Jameson Taillon (0-2, 6.41) as he makes his third start back from the IL. The first two haven’t gone well for Taillon, who has lasted just 3.0 and 2.2 IP while giving up a total of 7 ER to the Nationals and Cardinals. The Cubs have lost all five of Taillon’s starts this season.
Houston was able to continue to send the White Sox on their downward spiral by taking two of three at Guaranteed Rate Field this weekend, and now they try to do the same to the Cubs back at Minute Maid Park. There’s no Michael Brantley (shoulder) or Jose Altuve (thumb) in the lineup for the Astros on Monday, but the Houston offense still has a chance for a breakout against a struggling Cubs pitching staff.
Framber Valdez (3-4, 2.38) hasn’t had incredible success in the W/L column this season, but he’s still posted a sub 3.00 ERA and just threw 8.0 IP of 3-hit ball against the Angels on Tuesday. Valdez has completed 7.0+ innings in three of his last four, giving the Astros an incredible pitching advantage on Monday.
Chicago vs Houston MLB Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Cubs (2.73) | Astros (1.53) | 8 | Cubs +1.5 (1.79) | Astros -1.5 (2.06) |
| Bovada | Cubs (2.53) | Astros (1.54) | 8 | Cubs +1.5 (1.74) | Astros -1.5 (2.15) |
| BetUS | Cubs (2.65) | Astros (1.54) | 7.5 | Cubs +1.5 (1.74) | Astros -1.5 (2.15) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Cubs (2.73) | Astros (1.53) | 8 | Cubs +1.5 (1.79) | Astros -1.5 (2.06) |
| Pinnacle | Cubs (2.63) | Astros (1.56) | 7.5 | Cubs +1.5 (1.77) | Astros -1.5 (2.17) |
| MyBookie | Cubs (2.51) | Astros (1.53) | 7.5 | Cubs +1.5 (1.74) | Astros -1.5 (2.10) |
Cubs vs Astros Prediction & Pick
The Cubs are due for a bounce back after two atrocious losses to Minnesota the last two games. You can’t trust them on Monday in Houston though, with Taillon getting rocked his last two starts and the Chicago bullpen really hurting for arms after being burned up so much the last two days in the Twin Cities.
