Injuries Loom Over Cubs-Red Sox Interleague Series
Cubs vs Red Sox Betting Odds: Series Shaping Up as Pick 'Em
MLB injuries have wreaked havoc across Major League Baseball over the season’s first month. But few clubs have been hit harder than the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs.
The teams are scheduled to open a three-game series at Fenway Park on Friday (7:10 p.m. ET).
Boston is +1.5 (-192) on the run line and -112 on the moneyline for Friday’s series opener, with Chicago -1.5 (+160) on the spread and -108 to win outright.
Meanwhile, the projected total is 7.5 with a slight edge to the Over at -115 odds. The series is essentially a pick ‘em, with each team holding -115 odds.
What should bettors expect? Read on as we break down both MLB teams and assess the Cubs vs Red Sox betting odds in our MLB game preview.
Game 1
Cubs vs Red Sox 
Day/Time:
Location: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
Streaming: NESN
Cubs vs Red Sox Betting Trends
The Chicago Cubs are 17-8 against the spread, having covered at the second highest rate (68%) in MLB. A majority of Chicago’s games have trended toward the Under, as the Cubs are 11-14 against the Over/Under.
Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are 14-12 ATS, including 5-3 over their last eight games. As for the Over/Under, the Red Sox are 11-13-2.
It’s important to remember these trends when assessing the Cubs vs Red Sox betting odds.
Injuries? What Injuries?
The early returns are promising under new manager Craig Counsell. The Cubs are 16-9 following their three-game sweep of Houston at Wrigley Field.
Expectations were modest for the Cubs, who were projected for 84.5 wins, and they look poised to pass that if they can get healthy. Injuries have been the only stain on the Cubs to this point, with Opening Day starter Justin Steele (hamstring) and outfielder Cody Bellinger (ribs) both landing on the injured list.
Bellinger, a two-time All-Star, fractured two ribs after crashing into the center-field wall while chasing a fly ball during Wednesday’s game at Wrigley Field. In a corresponding move, the Cubs called up top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, who homered in Thursday’s 3-1 win for his first major league hit.
Joining Bellinger on the IL is fellow outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who has been out since April 14 because of an oblique strain. Suzuki had gotten off to a strong start at the plate, with a .305 average, three home runs and 13 RBI over his first 59 at-bats.
The Cubs also remain without left-hander Drew Smyly (hip) and right-handers Kyle Hendricks (low back strain) and Julian Merryweather (ribs).
Despite those injuries, Chicago is 9-3 ATS over its last 12 MLB games and has covered at the second highest rate in MLB, behind only AL Central-leading Cleveland (18-7). Be sure to keep that in mind when analyzing the Cubs vs Red Sox betting odds.
Boston’s Issues Mounting
Like Chicago, the Red Sox are hanging tough despite a rash of injuries. Boston is 14-12 following Thursday’s 6-4 loss to Cleveland.
The Red Sox have a league-leading 13 MLB players on the IL, including ace right-hander Brayan Bello. Bello — who signed a $55 million extension in March — is sidelined with right lat tightness.
He went 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA in his first five starts, having last pitched on April 19 per MLB scores.
The Red Sox were already without fellow starters Nick Pivetta (elbow strain), Garrett Whitlock (oblique strain) and Lucas Giolito (elbow surgery), who is out for the season following Tommy John surgery.
Expectations were reasonably low for Boston (projected for 77.5 wins), and they remain such in the loaded American League East. The Red Sox are in decent shape in the MLB standings, but injuries have already taxed the team’s depth.
Boston remains the biggest longshot in the AL East at +1800 and is also just +3000 to win the pennant. Only four AL teams have longer MLB odds to make the World Series.
Series Probables
Game 1
- Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET
- Shota Imanaga vs Kutter Crawford
Imanaga, a prized import from Japan, has been quick to adapt. The 30-year-old southpaw is 3-0 with a 0.84 ERA across his first four starts, having allowed just four runs (two earned) in 21.1 innings.
He has displayed strong command, registering a 21/2 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The Red Sox will counter with Crawford, who has been equally impressive in the early going. Crawford has given up just three runs (two earned) over his first 27.1 innings, registering a 0.66 ERA and 0.99 WHIP.
The right-hander has also yet to allow a home run.
Game 2
- Saturday, 4:10 p.m. ET
- TBA vs Josh Winckowski
The Red Sox will presumably go with a bullpen game, with Winckowski serving as the opener. Winckowski has worked primarily as a reliever, having allowed 14 runs (seven earned) in 15 innings this MLB season.
He last pitched in Sunday’s 6-1 win over Pittsburgh, opening with 3.1 strong innings.
The Cubs have yet to name a starter opposite him.
Game 3
- Sunday, 7 p.m. ET
- Jordan Wicks vs Tanner Houck
Wicks’ overall numbers aren’t great (4.70 ERA, 1.52 WHIP), but he’s coming off a strong start against Houston. The southpaw threw six innings in a 7-2 win on Tuesday.
He will face Houck, who is off to a fast start with a 1.65 ERA in five appearances. He has allowed only one homer over his first 32.2 innings.
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