The Chicago Cubs welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to Wrigley Field as they close out their three-game weekend set this afternoon.
Matt Shaw has been carrying Chicago’s offense since the All-Star break, and I’ve got my money on the third baseman to drive in another RBI.
I’ll break down the pick in my Pirates vs Cubs predictions and MLB picks for Sunday, August 17.
Pirates vs Cubs prediction
Pirates vs Cubs best bet: Matt Shaw Over 0.5 RBI (+230)
The Chicago Cubs have fallen well behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot in the NL Central, and their lack of offense hasn’t done them any favors.
The Cubs have scored just 98 runs and 93 RBI since the All-Star break — both second-last in the majors ahead of only the St. Louis Cardinals.
But if there’s one guy the Cubbies can count on for some offensive juice, it’s Matt Shaw. The third baseman leads the club with 17 RBI in the second half, nearly double his next-closest teammates.
Shaw has cashed in at least one RBI in five of his last nine outings, including one in Friday’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to send Carmen Mlodzinski to the mound for an emergency start. The right-handed reliever carries a 4.20 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP and will be backed up by the fourth-worst bullpen in the NL by ERA (4.22).
I know offense has been hard to come by for Chicago, but if there’s anyone who can spark them right now, it’s Shaw.
Pirates vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Nico Hoerner has also been one of the few consistent Cubs at the plate this month, batting .315 in August and carrying a four-game hit streak into Sunday. He’s also recorded 2+ total bases in three of those outings.
Chicago has struggled in the second half, but the Pirates have been even worse of late, with just one win in their last seven contests. Pittsburgh has averaged a mere 2.71 runs per game over that span, so we’re not asking Chicago for much here.
Pirates vs Cubs odds
- Moneyline: Pittsburgh +150 | Chicago -180
- Run line: Pittsburgh +1.5 (-135) | Chicago -1.5 (+115)
- Over/Under: Over 7 | Under 7
Pirates vs Cubs trend
The Under is 6-0 in Chicago’s last six games. Find more MLB betting trends for Pirates vs. Cubs.
How to watch Pirates vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Sunday, August 17, 2025 |
| First pitch | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | SNP, MARQ |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Andrew Heaney (5-10, 4.99 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Javier Assad (0-1, 9.00 ERA) |
Pirates vs Cubs latest injuries
Pirates vs Cubs weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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