Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Guardians odds, picks and predictions

The Chicago Cubs (59-62) and Cleveland Guardians (71-49) wrap up a 3-game interleague series Wednesday. First pitch from Progressive Field is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Cubs vs. Guardiansodds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Guardians lead 2-0

The Cubs made a valiant comeback Monday, but ended up falling 9-8 in the series opener. On Tuesday, it was another 1-run loss, as the Guardians eked out a 2-1 victory behind LHP Matthew Boyd in his 1st start of the season.

The Guardians suffered a 7-game losing streak, but won the final 2 games in the Twin Cities. Cleveland carried the momentum home and it has now won 4 in a row after taking the 1st 2 games from the Cubs.

Despite the Under (9) on Tuesday, the Over has still cashed in at a 7-2 clip in the past 9 games at Progressive Field. For the Cubs, they're 8-4 in the past 12 games, while the Over is also 8-4 in the span.

Cubs at Guardians projected starters

RHP Jameson Taillon vs. RHP Alex Cobb

Taillon (8-6, 3.50 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.18 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 in 115 2/3 IP.

• Last start: Win, 5 IP, 5 ER, 9 H (2 HR), 0 BB, 4 K in 7-6 road victory vs. Chicago White Sox Friday
• 2024 road splits: 3-3, 4.50 ERA (56 IP, 28 ER), 1.25 WHIP, .270 opponents' batting average (OBA), 10 BB, 38 K in 10 starts
• Career vs. Guardians: 1-2, 4.71 ERA (21 IP, 11 ER), 1.24 WHIP, 9.4 K/9 in 4 starts

Cobb, acquired at the MLB non-waiver trade deadline from the San Francisco Giants, made his season and team debut Friday in Game 2 of a doubleheader in Minnesota. He started the season on the 60-day injured list recovering from hip surgery, while also dealing with inflammation in his right shoulder.

• Last start: Loss, 4 2/3 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 9 H (1 HR), 1 BB, 1 K in 6-3 road setback vs. Twins
• 2023 home splits (w/Giants): 5-2, 1.95 ERA (74 IP, 16 ER), .225 OBA, 1.04 WHIP, 15 BB, 60 K in 12 starts (2 CG)
• Career vs. Cubs: 0-1, 1.50 ERA (12 IP, 2 ER), 9 H, 1 BB, 17 K in 2 starts

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Cubs at Guardians odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:23 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Cubs +108 (bet $100 to win $108) | Guardians -126 (bet $126 to win $100)
• Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-205) | Guardians -1.5 (+168)
• Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -122 | U: +100)

Cubs at Guardians picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Guardians 5

Moneyline

The CUBS (+108) are a good, but risky, play behind Taillon, as they look to salvage something from this interleague series. While Taillon won last time out, it was against the lowly White Sox. And he has allowed at least 3 ER in each of his past 3 road outings, so expect to chew down your fingernails.

The visitors are the play, though, as the Guardians (-126) have Cobb on the hill, and he was underwhelming in his team debut over the weekend in Minnesota. The veteran journeyman could be a good addition to the beleaguered staff, once he gets his sea legs, but he is coming back from a lengthy layoff, so it to take some time before effectiveness returns.

Run line/Against the spread

The Cubs +1.5 (-205) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, if you need some insurance and can't fathom betting Chicago straight up. That's way too much risk for not enough reward.

AVOID, and just play the moneyline if you like the Cubbies.

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Over/Under

OVER 8 (-122) might be the best play on the board with this combination of starting pitchers.

The Over has cashed in 5 of the past 7 starts by Taillon, and the total has ended up going high in 8 of the past 12 games for Chicago since July 31.

For the Guardians, the Over cashed in Cobb's lone start with the team in Game 2 of Friday's double dip in the Twin Cities. Despite the unexpected pitcher's duel Tuesday, the Over is still 7-2 in the past 9 outings at Progressive Field.

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