Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros 5/16/2023 Odds, Predictions and Tips
The Houston Astros are set to host Game 2 of their series against the Chicago Cubs at Minute Maid Park in Texas on Tuesday evening. The Cubs have had a tough season so far, with a 19-22 record overall and an 8-11 record on the road. They currently sit in third place in the NL Central, trailing the first-place Milwaukee Brewers by four games. Despite this, the Cubs have a respectable +27 run difference this season.
The Cubs are hoping to end a three-game losing streak, which includes a 6-4 road loss to the Astros in the series opener on Monday night. While they managed to score four runs in the 4th inning, they were unable to maintain their lead and finished the game with just 8 hits. The Cubs have some strong players in their lineup, including Left Fielder Ian Happ, who has an impressive .303 batting average and a team-high on-base percentage of .425. Second Baseman Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs with 46 hits, while Third Baseman Patrick Wisdom has contributed a team-leading 12 home runs and 23 RBIs.
In Game 2, the Cubs will turn to left-handed starter Justin Steele, who has been impressive this season with a 6-0 record and a 1.82 ERA. He has retired 39 batters in his starts so far. Unfortunately, the Cubs have a few players out due to injury, including Starting Pitchers Kyle Hendrix (shoulder) and Adrian Sampson (knee), who are both on the 15-day injured list. Relief Pitcher Brad Boxberger (forearm) is also on the 15-day injured list, while 1B Eric Hosmer (rest) will not be in the starting lineup on Tuesday. SS Nico Hoerner is on the 10-day injured list due to a hamstring injury.
On Tuesday evening, Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, will host Game 2 of the series between the Chicago Cubs of the NL Central and the Houston Astros of the AL West. The Cubs are currently third in their division, with a record of 19-22 overall and 8-11 on the road. They have a positive run difference of +27 for the season. After losing the series opener, the Cubs are hoping to end their three-game losing streak and secure a victory. During the series opener, the Cubs managed to score four runs but were unable to maintain the momentum for the remainder of the game.
Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros 5/16/2023 Odds, Predictions and Tips
Chicago’s offense is led by Left Fielder Lan Happ, who has a batting average of .303 and a team-high on-base percentage of .425. Second Baseman Nico Hoerner has 46 hits, leading the Cubs in that category, while Third Baseman Patrick Wisdom has hit a team-high of 12 home runs and 23 RBIs. The Cubs are starting left-handed pitcher Justin Steele, who has a 6-0 record for the season with an ERA of 1.82 and has retired 39 batters in his starts.
The Cubs are dealing with a few injuries, with Starting Pitchers Kyle Hendrix and Adrian Sampson on a 15-day injured list and Relief Pitcher Brad Boxberger also listed as out due to a forearm injury. In addition, 1B Eric Hosmer is out of the starting lineup due to rest, and SS Nico Hoerner is on a 10-day injured list due to a hamstring injury.
On the other hand, the Houston Astros have won their last two games and are hoping to make it three in a row with a win over the Cubs. Houston has a record of 22-19 overall and is 9-11 at home, placing them second in the AL West, three games behind the first-place Texas team. They have a positive run difference of +26 for the season. The Astros are led by Second Baseman Mauricio Dubon, who has a batting average of .291 and a team-high 41 hits. Left Fielder Yordan Alvarez leads the team with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .388.
The Astros have a team batting average of .238 and a slugging percentage of .365. The team is starting right-handed pitcher Cristian Javier, who has a 3-1 record for the season with an ERA of 3.47 and has struck out 54 batters in his starts. Houston’s Starting Pitchers Lance McCullers Jr. and Jose Urquidy, as well as Relief Pitcher Parker Mushinski, are on the 15-day injured list. 2B Jose Altuve is out indefinitely due to a thumb injury, while Left Fielders Michael Brantley and Chas McCormick are dealing with shoulder and back injuries, respectively. McCormick is now in the starting lineup against the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs vs. Houston Astros. The MLB Pick for this contest is Houston Astros. The Chicago Cubs are looking to break a three-game losing streak while the Houston Astros are on a roll, winning five out of their last six games, including two in a row. With a 9-11 record at home, the Astros will have the advantage of playing in their own ballpark, whereas the Cubs have struggled on the road with an 8-11 record. Based on these factors, the prediction is that the Houston Astros will come out on top with a 4-2 victory.
MLB Starting Time: 8:10 PM ET
Location: Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas
Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2023
TV: TBS
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Houston Astros -140
MLB Totals: 8.0
