Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Preview
Chicago Looks To Keep Winning Streak Going
The Chicago Cubs won their series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night in a similar way to how they’ve won many of their games so far this season: with great pitching and just enough timely hitting.
Craig Counsell’s team has now won three games in a row and is up toward the top of a surprisingly competitive NL Central. They’ll try to keep it going against Arizona on Tuesday night despite the Diamondbacks — who have struggled to an 8-9 record — being favored on the Cubs vs D’Backs odds.
Down 2-1 in the 9th on Monday, the Cubs rallied to tie with a pair of singles and a wild pitch that scored Nico Hoerner. Then, in the 11th, Hoerner came through again with a RBI single that gave Chicago a 3-2 lead which Keegan Thompson was able to hold onto in the bottom of the frame.
Ben Brown threw six one-run (and one-hit) innings, and the bullpen continued to shine. Arizona was in an excellent spot to notch its third-straight win, but closer Kevin Ginkel blew his second save of the season. If you’re making MLB score predictions for tonight’s game, expect another close game between two evenly matched teams.
Arizona is -121 on the moneyline for Tuesday’s game, with Chicago as a +111 underdog. The Diamondbacks are +160 at -1.5 on the runline, while the Cubs are -180 at +1.5.
The total is a high 10 runs as Chicago’s Kyle Hendricks — who has a 12.08 ERA this year — faces off against Arizona’s Tommy Henry.
Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks 
Day/Time:
Location: Chase Field
Hendricks Has Been Brutal
In a Chicago rotation that looks a lot different than it did even a few years ago, Kyle Hendricks has been a consistent mainstay. However, if his start to the season is evidence of the pitcher he is now, then the Cubs might need to move on soon.
Hendricks has allowed 17 runs in just 12 2/3 innings over three starts and a seemingly impossible 26 hits in that time. He has given up more than a hit per inning each season since 2021, but this is a bit out of hand. No wonder the Cubs vs D’Backs odds like the Diamondbacks.
For now, Hendricks won’t go anywhere because of his longevity and stature with the Cubs. But, it would be tough to expect him to just mow down a good (yet underperforming) Diamondbacks lineup because of his track record.
In Hendricks’ defense, though, his first three starts were against good lineups in the Rangers, Dodgers and Padres. Arizona does not have the same kind of firepower as those teams. Still, the Diamondbacks are talented and are just a few months removed from the World Series. They can’t be overlooked.
One of the best MLB bets today is the over in this game. Between Hendricks’ struggles and Henry’s propensity to give up long balls — he is allowing nearly two home runs per nine innings — and the hitter-friendly nature of Chase Field, there could be a lot of runs today.
Also, both teams used a good chunk of their respective bullpens on Monday’s 11-inning game which could be mean that lower-leverage guys will be called upon in relief. That could lead to more scoring, as well.
Arizona Lineup Is Poised For Breakout
The Diamondbacks‘ offense has merely been in the middle-of-the-pack in the NL in 2024 — seventh in on-base percentage and eighth in slugging percentage and OPS — in large part because reigning Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll just hasn’t gotten on track.
After hitting 25 home runs, stealing 54 bases and posting a 134 OPS+ in 2023, he has just one homer, five steals and a 77 OPS+ in 2024. No one is worried that Carroll is suddenly a bad player, but he has had a rough few weeks.
Some regression was to be expected after such an incredible season. However, it likely won’t continue to this extent. Based on how baseball tends to work, Carroll is bound to return to form soon. He does have hits in eight of his last nine games, yet he hasn’t really hit for much power.
Facing a guy like Hendricks who has been mashed in his three starts is perfect for someone like Carroll, who is uber-talented but just needs that one big game to get going. His performance is vital for the Diamondbacks’ title odds.
Regulars like Ketel Marte, Ketel Marte and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. have all been really good for Arizona. However, their performances haven’t translated into team-wide success.
The injuries to starting shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and outfielder Alek Thomas haven’t helped, but what matters the most is what Carroll brings to the table with his power and speed combination.
His underwhelming start has held Arizona back and the Cubs vs D’Backs odds favoring Arizona is a sign that Vegas thinks he can figure out it tonight.
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