Published Apr 10, 8:39pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 10, 8:39pm ET
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Updated Apr 10, 8:41pm ET
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| Chicago Cubs | -135 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | +122 |
The Pirates have gotten off to a solid 8-5 start. Their starting rotation has the potential to be a major strength. The two names at the top of the rotation, Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller, are known. Braxton Ashcraft is showing signs of being a key part of Pittsburgh's hopes for a dramatic improvement in 2026.
In his first two starts, he's thrown a total of 12 innings, allowed 8 hits, 3 earned runs, walked 4, and struck out 11. He was solid as a rookie in 2025, pitching predominantly out of the bullpen and posting a 1.9 bWAR.
Oneil Cruz is batting .300 with a .932 OPS and 4 homers. Brandon Lowe has slowed down after a sizzling start. Ryan O'Hearn is raking with a 1.025 OPS and 3 homers. Bryan Reynolds has a .794 OPS and 3 homers.
The rest of the lineup is scuffling.
No Pirates hitter has homered against Cubs starter Edward Cabrera. O'Hearn is 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBI. Marcell Ozuna is 2 for 11 with a double. Reynolds is 0 for 3 with 2 walks and 2 K's.
Edward Cabrera was a key Cubs' acquisition for this season as they hope to take the next step to be a World Series contender. In two starts, he's tossed 11.2 innings, allowed 2 hits, and no runs. He was wild in his last start against the Guardians, walking 5 in 5.2 innings. Overall, he's walked 6 and struck out 9.
Chicago is off to a shaky start because they haven't hit, and their bullpen has been bad. Eventually, they will hit. The bullpen is more of a question mark.
Alex Bregman, Michael Busch, and Dansby Swanson are all batting below .200. Ian Happ has 4 homers and an .885 OPS. Nico Hoerner has a .970 OPS.
Busch is 1 for 5 against Ashcraft with a home run. Pete Crow-Armstrong is 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Seiya Suzuki is 1 for 3 with a double. Swanson is 1 for 4 with a double.
The Pirates were hoping to show marked improvement this season by spending more than they have in the past. So far, it is working out relatively well. The Cubs are struggling to start the season.
Cabrera has been good, though wild at times. Ashcraft is an MLB breakout candidate.
With the Pirates hitting well and the Cubs struggling, Pittsburgh should win its second straight game in this series over Chicago.
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Pittsburgh Pirates +122
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