MLB Odds: Cubs-Pirates in NL Wild Card Preview
MLB Odds: Pirates Host Cubs in Wild Card Preview
Barring a catastrophe, the Chicago Cubs (82-60, +9.08 betting units) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (86-56, +18.43 units) will meet in the NL Wild Card playoff. They'll also meet Wednesday when the Pirates host the Cubs in Game 3 of a four-game series. First pitch is at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN.
It isn't written in stone, but it looks like the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates will meet in the National League Wild Card playoff. The Cubs (82-60, +9.08 betting units) are four games behind the Pirates (86-56, +18.43 units) for the first Wild Card and the home-field advantage that goes with it. They'll definitely be meeting this week in a four-game set at Pittsburgh's PNC Park; Game 3 takes place Wednesday night at 7:00 PM ET.
Jake Arrieta (2.52 FIP) is going into this matchup on an absolute tear. The Cubs ace has won each of his last eight starts, giving up a grand total of three earned runs along the way. Chicago is now +9.73 units behind Arrieta on a team record of 21-8. Only three other pitchers in the big leagues have generated more profit this year.
AJ Burnett (3.22 FIP) is not one of them. He's pitched very well for the Pirates, making his first All-Star Game after 15 long years in the majors. But Pittsburgh is just 12-10 in Burnett's 22 starts for a small loss of 0.43 units. He'll be making his second start after missing all of August with an inflamed right elbow.
