Reds vs Cubs Preview: Odds, Lineups & Weather (5/31/24)

The Cincinnati Reds are scheduled to play against the Chicago Cubs at 2:20 p.m. ET today at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The game will be broadcast on MARQ. Reds moneyline odds stand at +126, while Cubs odds are at -148. The forecast predicts broken clouds with a high of 68°F. This MLB game brings together two NL Central rivals aiming to make their mark early in the season.

Reds vs. Cubs Pregame Odds for May 31

MLB betting odds for the upcoming game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Chicago, show a competitive edge for the Cubs across several Ohio sportsbooks. With moneyline odds favoring the Cubs, indicating their expected win, and an over/under set at 8.0, the game anticipates a decent scoring total. Here’s how different sportsbooks are lining up:

Bet365: Reds +125, over/under 8.0
BetMGM: Reds +125, over/under 8.0
Caesars: Reds +126, over/under 8.0
BetRivers: Reds +125, over/under 8.0

These MLB odds underscore the Cubs as the favored team against the Reds, with a consistent over/under suggesting expectations for the game’s total runs.

Odds are subject to change and may vary between sportsbooks for the Reds vs Cubs.

Reds vs. Cubs projected starting lineups on 5/31

Reds starting lineup today

LF Jacob Hurtubise (L)
SS Elly De La Cruz (S)
3B Jeimer Candelario (S)
1B Spencer Steer (R)
C Tyler Stephenson (R)
RF Jake Fraley (L)
CF TJ Friedl (L)
2B Jonathan India (R)
DH Will Benson (L)

Cubs starting lineup today

DH Mike Tauchman (L)
RF Seiya Suzuki (R)
CF Cody Bellinger (L)
3B Christopher Morel (R)
LF Ian Happ (S)
2B Nico Hoerner (R)
1B Michael Busch (L)
SS Dansby Swanson (R)
C Miguel Amaya (R)

Reds vs Cubs probable starters for today’s game

Starters	W-L	ERA	WHIP	K%	BB%
(CIN) Graham Ashcraft (R)	4-3	4.67	1.44	17.8	7.9
(CHC)	4-1	2.17	1.16	22.4	9.5

Reds vs Cubs injuries for Friday, May 31

Reds: Key relievers Justin Wilson and Emilio Pagán are out with shoulder and triceps injuries, respectively. Starter Ian Gibaut and shortstops Matt McLain and Noelvi Marte are also on the injured list, impacting the Reds odds.

Cubs: Relievers Yency Almonte and Colten Brewer, along with starter Keegan Thompson and reliever Adbert Alzolay, are sidelined due to various injuries, affecting the Cubs odds for the upcoming match at Wrigley Field.

Projected lineups and injuries are pulled from Sportsdata.

Cincinnati Reds season overview

As MLB progresses, the Cincinnati Reds are positioned 5th in the NL Central Division, with a record of 24-32. Their performance in the last ten games shows a balanced outcome (5-5), yet they face a challenge, coming off two consecutive losses against the St. Louis Cardinals, including the game on Wednesday night. Key stats for the Reds this season include:

Runs per game: 4.1
Team average: .216
Team home runs: 52
Team Stolen bases: 85
Team ERA: 3.91
Team pitching strikeouts: 467

Chicago Cubs season overview

The Chicago Cubs, standing 3rd in the NL Central Division, enter their next game with a slightly better record of 28-29. Despite their struggle in the last ten games (2-8), the Cubs aim to leverage their home advantage at Wrigley Field to improve their standings. Season stats of note for the Cubs are:

Runs per game: 4.3
Team average: .228
Team home runs: 55
Team Stolen bases: 35
Team ERA: 3.94
Team pitching strikeouts: 499

Fans and bettors tracking MLB odds, particularly Reds odds and Cubs odds, will find these insights crucial for upcoming games at Wrigley Field, Chicago.

Player Stats and News: Reds vs. Cubs on May 31

In the upcoming matchup, the spotlight falls on key players from the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, with recent performances potentially impacting MLB odds. For the Reds, Elly De La Cruz has been a standout, leading in several categories, including batting average and home runs. The Cubs’ Cody Bellinger and Christopher Morel have shown strong performances, with Bellinger leading in batting average and Morel in home runs and RBIs. Recent news highlights prospects from both teams, such as Alexander Canario for the Cubs and Rhett Lowder for the Reds, signaling possible shifts in team dynamics and MLB odds.

Reds leaders ahead of today’s game

The Cincinnati Reds showcase Elly De La Cruz as a key player, leading in batting average, home runs, and stolen bases, which could significantly influence Reds odds at Wrigley Field.

AVG Leader: Elly De La Cruz .249
HR Leader: Elly De La Cruz 9
RBI Leader: Spencer Steer 35
Runs Leader: Elly De La Cruz 37
SB Leader: Elly De La Cruz 31

Cubs leaders ahead of today’s game

The Chicago Cubs are led by Cody Bellinger and Christopher Morel, with Bellinger leading in batting average and Morel in home runs and RBIs, potentially affecting Cubs odds against the Reds.