Cubs vs. Reds prediction and odds for Saturday, Sept. 2 (Back Cubs, Javier Assad)

The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds split the first two games of their doubleheader on Friday, but there are still two games to go in this weekend series. 

Chicago comes into this game 3.5 games out of the division lead, but the team is two games up on the No. 2 wild card spot. Cincinnati is attempting to claw its way into a playoff berth, sitting one game back of the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants. 

The Reds have lefty Andrew Abbott on the mound in this game against the Cubs’ Javier Assad. 

If you’re looking to bet on this game, make sure to do it at DraftKings Sportsbook. New users that sign up with the link below, deposit and wager $5 will instantly receive $200 in bonus bets! That’s a terrific offer. 

Here are the odds and my best bet for the Cubs-Reds matchup on Saturday:

These teams have actually both struggled at the plate as of late, ranking 22nd (Chicago) and 27th (Cincinnati) in OPS over the last 15 days. 

However, I think Chicago is the team to bet in this game as the team is still playing winning baseball, taking seven of its last 10 games. 

Assad has been terrific since joining the rotation – moving from the bullpen – in August. In five starts, he has a 2.48 ERA and the Cubs are 5-0 in his outings. That includes wins over the Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays. 

Abbott has been solid in 2023, but he saw his numbers slip a little in August, posting a 6.08 ERA in five starts. 

Back in July, he allowed four runs to the Cubs in 3.1 innings of work. 

Cincinnati’s offense isn’t giving it much lately, and it only mustered three runs in the win on Friday night. I’ll take the Cubs as slight favorites in this game. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's betting record here.