New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs 5/24/2023 Free Picks, Game Analysis and Tips
In MLB action on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 7:40 PM ET, the New York Mets will face off against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Illinois. Kodai Senga will be the starting pitcher for the Mets on that day. Senga delivered an impressive performance in his last start against the Rays, allowing just one run over 6.1 innings and striking out an impressive 12 batters. Although the rookie right-hander has had some trouble with control this season, walking 26 batters, his overall performance has been solid, with a 3.77 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and a 4-2 record in 43 innings pitched. This game will be his first time facing the Cubs. Throughout the season, Senga has recorded a total of 55 strikeouts. The New York Mets hold the second position in the NL East standings.
The Mets have just embarked on a road trip following a successful homestand. They managed to sweep the Guardians in three games, which brought their record above .500 after winning two out of three games against the Rays. This homestand was significant for the Mets, as they had yet to win a series a month before defeating the Rays. Jeff McNeil has been getting on base consistently, accumulating nine hits in his last six games. However, his monthly OPS stands at only .622. Despite performing well this season with a respectable .739 OPS and 16 RBIs, McNeil struggled against the Cubs last year, going 5 for 26 with no RBIs.
The Mets bullpen has been called upon in 53 save situations this season, converting 77.8%. They have inherited 58 runners and allowed 25.9% of them to reach base. The Mets’ pitchers have been tasked with entering the game with runners on base 39 times and have faced high-pressure situations 51 times. Collectively, the Mets bullpen has thrown 150 innings so far this season. They rank third in the league with 35 holds and have recorded 14 saves, although they have missed four of their 18 opportunities.
- The NY Mets are 0-5 SU in their last five meetings with the Cubs.
- The New York Mets are 3-10 SU in their last 13 games on the road.
- The Mets are 6-13 SU in their previous 19 games on the road against the Chi Cubs.
New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs 5/24/2023 Free Picks, Game Analysis and Tips
Marcus Stroman will be the starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs in this game. In his previous start, Stroman bounced back from a subpar performance by holding the Phillies to just one run over six innings, securing a victory for himself. With a 3.05 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 3-4 record in 56 innings pitched, the seasoned pitcher has been consistent, allowing two runs or fewer in all but two of his appearances this season. In his last encounter with the Mets last year, Stroman gave up one run in 4.1 innings, and throughout his career, he has allowed a total of seven runs in nine innings against them. The Chicago Cubs currently hold the third position in the NL Central standings.
Chicago started the season strong but has experienced a downturn recently. They won only one series throughout the month, against the Marlins. During a nine-game road trip, they struggled and ended up with a 2-7 record, including a sweep by the Astros. The road trip concluded with two losses in three games against the Phillies. In the previous season, Dansby Swanson had an exceptional performance against the Mets, hitting four home runs and driving in 13 runs. However, the 29-year-old slugger has had a quieter stretch at the plate recently, scoring only three runs in his last nine games, despite having a respectable .783 OPS and 18 RBIs overall. It’s worth noting that Cody Bellinger is still listed as injured and unavailable.
The Chicago Cubs have utilized their bullpen in 10 save opportunities, resulting in five saves. They have deployed 148 relievers so far this season and currently rank 28th in the league with a save percentage of 50.0%. The Cubs’ relief pitchers have entered the game with runners on base 33 times and have faced high-pressure situations 34 times. Out of the 48 inherited base runners, they have allowed 25.0% to score. The team has recorded 20 holds out of 31 save opportunities but has also missed five saves.
- The Chi Cubs are 13-6 SU in their last 19 games at home against NY Mets.
- The total went OVER in 5 of the Cubs’ last six games against an opponent in the NL.
- The Chicago Cubs are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games played in May.
New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs. The MLB pick for this game is the Chicago Cubs. After suffering a 7-2 loss on Tuesday, the New York Mets encountered difficulties on the road and currently have a win-loss record below .500. The Chicago Cubs should have an advantage against Mets starter Kodai Senga. Despite Senga’s season ERA of 3.77, his FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) of 4.35 suggests his ERA might be slightly misleading. Senga has struggled with control, evident from the 20 walks he has conceded in his last six outings. The young pitcher has performed poorly on the road, sporting a 6.30 ERA in those games.
Furthermore, the Chicago Cubs have a favorable situation, with Marcus Stroman taking the mound. Stroman has performed strongly in four of his previous five starts, limiting his opponents to two or fewer runs. In four of those appearances, he has pitched at least six innings. As a result, it is anticipated that the Cubs will emerge victorious with a predicted score of 6-3.
MLB Starting Time: 7:40 PM ET
Location: Wrigley Field, IL
Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2023
TV: Marquee
MLB Odds: New York Mets +100
MLB Totals: 8.0
