The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros close out their three-game set with the rubber match this afternoon at Daikin Park.
A pair of veteran pitchers are set to take the mound as Jameson Taillon and Framber Valdez go head-to-head. Valdez enters the contest on a nine-game unbeaten streak, and my Cubs vs. Astros predictions and MLB picks for Sunday, June 29 are looking for him to put up another quality start.
Cubs vs Astros prediction
My Cubs vs Astros best bet: Framber Valdez Under 2.5 earned runs (-154 at Caesars)
⚾ Pick Analysis
The Chicago Cubs had a field day against the Houston Astros on Saturday as they rolled to a 12-3 win and snapped the hosts’ five-game win streak.
Framber Valdez is set to take the mound for Houston this afternoon as he looks to slow down a potent Chicago offense that ranks second in the majors with 5.46 runs per game.
It’s still pretty early, but the 31-year-old is on pace for one of the best statistical seasons of his career, and his numbers are only improving as the year wears on. Valdez owns a 2.88 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and his 2.7 WAR ranks tied for ninth in the American League.
The Astros starter enters Sunday on a nine-start unbeaten streak, going 7-0 during that run, while he hasn’t suffered a loss since May 7.
Valdez threw seven scoreless innings against the Phillies on Tuesday and has not allowed more than two earned runs in six straight starts.
The bulk of Chicago’s offense yesterday came during a seven-run fourth inning, so if Valdez can avoid a blow up inning — which he’s been able to do pretty much all season — he should be able to keep the Cubs relatively quiet.
Caesars QuickPick: Our Cubs vs Astros same-game parlay (SGP)
Astros moneyline
Under 8
Cam Smith Over 1.5 total bases
🚀 SGP Analysis
The AL West-leading Astros had their streak snapped yesterday, but should get back in the win column today if Valdez can outduel Jameson Taillon. The Cubs starter owns a bloated 4.47 ERA and has given up 13 earned runs over his last two appearances.
I’m still going to predict a low-scoring battle, though, as Houston has averaged just 3.00 runs per game over its last five contests.
With Jeremy Pena out, Cam Smith will look to lead the Astros offense this afternoon.
Smith has hit a home run in two straight games vs. Chicago and has recorded 2+ total bases in each of his last three contests.
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Cubs vs Astros odds
Cubs vs Astros live odds
Cubs vs Astros opening odds
- Moneyline: Chicago +136 | Houston -151
- Run line: Chicago +1.5 | Houston -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
Odds courtesy of Caesars.
Cubs vs Astros trend
Houston is 9-1 in its last 10 home games. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Astros.
How to watch Cubs vs Astros and game info
| Location | Daikin Park, Houston, TX |
| Date | Sunday, 6-29-2025 |
| First pitch | 2:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | Marquee, Space City HN |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Jameson Taillon (7-5, 4.47 ERA) |
| Astros starting pitcher | Framber Valdez (8-4, 2.88 ERA) |
Cubs vs Astros latest injuries
Cubs vs Astros weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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