Cubs vs Yankees Predictions, Odds & Starting Pitchers (July 8)

Chicago vs New York Probable Pitchers

Smyly is having a respectable year for Chicago. The left-hander has made 17 starts in total, compiling a 7-5 record, 4.10 ERA, and 1.31 WHIP. He’s struck out 76 in 90 innings while walking 30.

The last two outings for Smyly have been rough, though. The 34-year-old gave up three earned in just 3.2 innings against the Brewers on July 3rd and prior to that, allowed seven earned and two homers in only 3.2 frames again versus the Philadelphia Phillies. Since he previously played in the AL, he’s faced the Yankees a total of nine times, posting a 1.85 ERA. Not too shabby.

Smyly vs Cole Stats

Cole is in the mix in the AL Cy Young odds like many years past, thanks to his stellar 8-2 record and 2.79 ERA, which is fourth-best in the American League. He continues to rack up strikeouts with 118 of them in 109.2 innings against just 33 walks. Cole consistently pounds the strike zone and rarely issues more than two free passes in a single outing.

On July 2nd, the righty lasted six innings vs St. Louis, allowing two earned on six hits while striking out five. His ERA sits at 2.45 against NL opponents in 2023 and since he was once a Pirate, the Cubs are a familiar opponent, although their lineup was different back then. Cole owns a 2.53 ERA lifetime against Chicago.

Cubs in a Rut

Chicago is struggling at the moment, going just 3-7 in their last 10 games prior to Friday’s series opener. The biggest issue during this skid is pitching, allowing far too many runs. A lot of these losses are extremely close outcomes though, so you’d have to imagine they will turn things around sooner rather than later.

Nevertheless, the playoffs feel like a longshot right now, sitting eight games back in the National League Central and trailing by seven in the Wild Card. Who knows, maybe the Cubs will be sellers at the deadline if things get worse.

Yankees Need Judge Back

It’s no secret New York desperately needs Aaron Judge back, but he’s still recovering from a broken toe and there’s no timetable for his return. The Wild Card appears to be their only avenue at making the playoffs, with the Rays eight games ahead of them in the very competitive American League East.

Aaron Boone’s squad just dropped two out of three to the Orioles in what was a crucial series, since Baltimore is exactly who the Yanks are chasing. That included an embarrassing 14-1 loss in the finale. In fact, the offense only scored four runs in the final two matchups of the series.

Cubs vs Yankees Predictions

Both Smyly and Cole have enjoyed success against the Yankees and Cubs, respectively, which is why I’m eyeing the under. Also, take New York to win this one at home.

Picks: Yankees moneyline (-180), Under 8 runs (-110)