Published Apr 5, 7:00pm ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 5, 7:00pm ET
Updated Apr 5, 7:00pm ET
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| Tampa Bay Rays | +110 |
| Chicago Cubs | -130 |
Jameson Taillon will get the start for the Cubs. The 34-year-old right-hander went 11-7 with a 3.68 ERA and 1.06 WHIP across 129.2 innings in 23 starts during 2025. In his 2026 debut, Taillon threw 4.2 scoreless innings against the Mariners. He walked 4 batters but allowed just 2 hits while striking out 3.
Chicago is hitting .222 with 6 home runs through seven games. Ian Happ leads with 3 homers and 5 RBI despite a .179 average. Nico Hoerner is batting .292.
Shane McClanahan hasn't started in Tampa Bay since August 2, 2023. The 28-year-old left-hander was dominant before his injuries: 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 115 innings during his abbreviated 2023 campaign. He will make his debut against the Cubs.
Tampa Bay is hitting .268 with 6 home runs through eight games. Yandy Diaz is mashing at .424 with 2 homers, 10 RBI and a .500 on-base percentage. The Rays sit 3-5 but won their last game 7-1 against Minnesota. This is Tampa Bay's first home game of 2026.
McClanahan's return is one of baseball's best stories, but 972 days is an eternity. His velocity has seen a dip from his peak form. The Cubs' offense has been pedestrian, but McClanahan likely faces workload restrictions and is still finding his rhythm after such an extended layoff. Chicago should take advantage of facing a pitcher making just his second start in three years while he's still shaking off the rust.
Pick: Cubs -130
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Pick
Cubs -130
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