Reds vs. Cubs prediction and odds for Friday, May 26

The Cincinnati Reds are sitting in last place in the NL Central, but they’re still just 6.5 games back from the division lead. If they want to get back in the thick of the race, they need to start winning games sooner rather than later.

They start a weekend series on Friday against the Chicago Cubs, with Game 1 set to be a matinee matchup in the afternoon.

Let’s take a look at the odds for the series opener and then I’ll give you my best bet.

Reds vs. Cubs odds, run line, and total

Reds vs. Cubs prediction and pick

The Reds have been surprisingly solid offensively in the month of May, sporting an OPS of .719.

That number goes up to .801 when facing lefties this month, and now they get to face a lefty in Justin Steele on Friday. That spells good news for the Reds.

Cincinnati also gets to trot out Hunter Greene for a start on Friday, and the young arm has been much better than his 4.68 ERA might indicate. He has a 3.98 FIP (Field Independent Pitching) and now he gets to take on a Cubs team that has struggled against right-handed pitchers at times this month.

The Reds also have a bullpen advantage over the Cubs, which makes them a strong underdog candidate on Friday.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.