Free MLB Pick: Braves vs. Cubs Odds
Looking for Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs Free MLB predictions? MLB betting sees the Braves taking on the Cubs on Friday, June 17th, 2022 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions like this Braves-Cubs free pick.
2022 MLB Handicapping
(37-27) Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs (23-40)
Date: Friday, June 17th, 2022
Time: 2:20 PM ET
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Projected Pitchers: Charlie Morton (ATL) vs. Keegan Thompson (CHC)
MLB Moneyline Odds: Braves -175 / Cubs +144
MLB run line Betting Odds: Braves -1.5 (+100) / Cubs +1.5 (-120)
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: O/U: 8
The Braves will be in Chicago to start a series with the Cubs on Friday evening.
As expected, Atlanta is a solid favorite in this one. Right now, the total is being listed at 8.
Charlie Morton will be opposed by Keegan Thompson in this one.
Atlanta Braves
Not only have the Braves been one of the hottest teams in baseball, but they have also been one of the best and it does not appear as if they are going to just slow down.
The winning streak for these guys is now at 14 and it is very likely they could extend that streak into the series with the Cubs.
What we are currently seeing from them is a team that has totally turned it around. Atlanta is a much different club than they were at the beginning of the season.
Early on, they were doing a lot of trading wins and losses and there did not appear to be any rhythm with them. Consistency was lacking with them and frankly, it was starting to cost them.
There is no question that during this stretch of playing better they have faced some bad teams, but they still had to go out there and beat them. As we know in baseball, playing poor competition does not always result in victories.
Before this series with the Cubs, this club was able to pick up the sweep over the Nationals. They did just what they needed to do against one of the worst teams in baseball.
As expected during this winning streak, Atlanta was able to gain some serious ground in the NL East. At one point it looked like they might not be able to catch up, but they only trail the Mets by 4 games at the moment.
Getting the start in the opener on Friday is Charlie Morton and honestly, he needs to be better. We all know the kind of pitcher has been in the past, but this season has not been his best. The veteran is currently 4-3 with an ERA of 5.67.
Chicago Cubs
For as well as the Braves have been playing, the Cubs have been the total opposite of that. This is one of the worst teams in baseball at the moment.
The organization can talk all they want about being in re-build mode, but I would love to know what it is they are rebuilding because I do not see a lot of that taking place.
It is not as if Chicago is trotting out young prospects every game. There are a lot of older players on this team that simply have not been able to perform.
When I examine this team, there is not a whole hell of a lot that stands out to me. Really, I do not feel they do much well.
The pitching, both in terms of bullpen and rotation is very lacking and the offense is below average. Given that, it makes sense they have the record they do.
After completing a series in which they got smoked by the Padres, this will not get any easier for them when the defending champs walk into Wrigley starting on Friday.
If Chicago is not careful, this series could end up being an ugly one for them. We all saw what happened against the Yankees and similar results cannot be ruled out here.
A guy who has been a bit of a bright spot for this team is Keegan Thompson and he gets the ball to open things up. He is 6-2 with an ERA of 3.67, but still has the tall task of keeping this lineup in check.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
- The Braves are 39-16 in their last 55 games as a road favorite.
- The Braves are 4-0 in their last 4 Friday games.
- The Cubs are 17-35 in their last 52 games on grass.
- The Cubs are 21-53 in their last 74 games vs. a team with a winning record.
Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs MLB Prediction:
The Braves have not been doing a lot wrong of late and that could certainly continue on Friday against the Cubs.
To me, I see this being a game where the offense is not lacking. It would kind of surprise me if it turned out to be a low-scoring affair.
As noted earlier, Morton has not been great and I do feel the Cubs can score some off of him. Thompson could certainly be effective, but I do trust Atlanta to have some success off of him and what is really not a good bullpen.
I like the over to start off this series.
4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Over 8
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