Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros 5/16/23 – The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros each entered this series 4.0 games out from first place in their respective divisions. If they want to gain any ground this week, they must go through one another. Justin Steele will pitch for the Cubs while Cristian Javier will take the mound for the Astros. MLB betting analysts are in favor of the Chicago Cubs to beat the Astros in this matchup.
Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 8:10 PM ET
Location: Minute Maid Park Houston, TX
TV: TBS
Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros 5/16/23 Betting Odds
Cubs
Moneyline: +148
Spread: +1.5 (-145)
Total: 7.5 over (-112)
Astros
Moneyline: -160
Spread: -1.5 (+125)
Total: 7.54 under (-108)
Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros Analysis
As a team, the Chicago Cubs have averaged 4.8 runs per contest this season and currently rank ninth overall in baseball. They have scored 193 runs with an OBP of 0.340 and hit 66 two-baggers as a team; additionally they’ve hit 48 home runs. They have amassed 186 runs batted in and 368 hits this season, and their team batting average stands at 0.266. Chicago holds a slugging percentage of 0.425 and have struck out 351 times, walking on 147 occasions.
The Chicago Cubs have recorded 1,070 putouts this season, in addition to 375 assists and 17 errors. Their fielding rate remains strong at 0.988 and they have completed 38 double plays this season, placing them ninth overall in MLB. The Cubs have converted 71% of balls in play into outs during their 3,210 innings on the diamond, placing them sixth among professional baseball teams.
Justin Steele will take the mound for the Cubs. Steele has pitched for 225 innings and earned 224 strikeouts so far in his career. Steele holds an FIP of 3.79 over his time pitching in the majors, facing 952 batters during that period. His career ERA stands at 3.16 and his WHIP stands at 1.283. He has allowed 198 hits while issuing 91 free passes.
The Astros boast a team slugging percentage of 0.365 and score 4.28 runs per contest. They have scored 61 doubles while walking 120 times and scoring 171 runs. Houston has already hit 35 home runs this season and driven in 165 runs. They have been called 323 times, amassing 320 hits so far. Houston Astros’ on-base percentage stands at 0.307 with a team batting average of 0.238 thus far this season.
Astros pitchers have earned an efficiency on defense rating of 69.0% across 3,201 innings on the diamond. Houston Astros fielders have successfully turned 35 double plays to achieve an outstanding fielding percentage of 0.989. This season, the Astros have recorded 337 assists, 15 errors and 1,067 putouts.
Cristian Javier will see on the mound for the Astros. Javier has made 351 innings pitched with the MLB, surrendering 229 hits and recording 432 punchouts. He has surrendered 121 earned runs while posting a WHIP of 1.031 and FIP of 3.8. He boasts an outstanding strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.25 and has faced 1,409 batters so far in his career. Javier boasts an ERA of 3.10 while giving up 5.9 hits per nine innings.
Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros Against the Spread
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the Chi Cubs’ last 6 games. The Chi Cubs are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games. The Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games against Houston. The Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games on the road. The total has gone OVER in 4 of the Chi Cubs’ last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston’s last 6 games. Houston is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games against the Chi Cubs. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston’s last 7 games at home. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games when playing at home against the Chi Cubs.
Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros Free Pick
Justin Steele will lead Chicago on its quest for victory and face an opposing offense that has yet to find their groove at home this season. Steele should ideally pitch six or seven strong innings before turning over control to his bullpen. Christian Javier may have an impressive outing for the Cubs as well, given their struggles on offense; however, Steele should outwit him. Assume an away team is more likely to drop the Astros in this game due to a superior starting pitcher and batting order according to MLB betting lines.
Free Pick: Chicago Cubs +148
