Atlanta Braves vs Chicago Cubs Prediction & Betting Tips - MLB

Prediction published on 28/09/2023, 06:08  by Joseph King | Modified on 28/09/2023 at 11:20 in MLB Prediction

The first-place Atlanta Braves play host to the second-place Chicago Cubs as the MLB regular season enters into the final days. The Braves don’t have to worry about their playoff positioning as they hold a 13 game lead in their division and the best record in the entire MLB. Atlanta, who finished with 101 wins last season, have already eclipsed that mark with four games remaining on the schedule. They’re on a three game winning streak following a 6-5 win over Chicago in their last outing. This will be the third game of this three game series with Atlanta looking for the sweep. The Braves have named AJ Smith-Shawver as the starter for this clash with the rookie pitcher holding a 1-0 record on the year with a 4.57 ERA. Smith-Shawver is making his first appearance since July 30th where he went five innings, giving up three earned runs in a 8-6 win.

The Cubs come into this difficult matchup trying to hold onto one of the final Wild Card spots in the NL. They’re currently in a decent position to make the postseason with a 1.5 game lead over the Cincinnati Reds, the team closest to overtaking them. Chicago will have to deal with a three game series away to the Brewers to close out their season while the Reds will play the weaker Cardinals. Therefore, grabbing a victory in this game vs Atlanta would go a long way to securing their Wild Card position. The Cubs have lost their last two in a row and are 4-6 in their last 10 overall. They’ll start this game with Marcus Stroman on the mound who is 10-8 on the season with a 3.88 ERA. Stroman has been eased back into action following an injury and has pitched only six innings in his last three starts.