The Chicago Cubs welcome the Cincinnati Reds to Wrigley Field for the opener of a three-game set this weekend as the hosts look to continue their dominance atop the NL Central.
However, my Reds vs. Cubs predictions believe Cincinnati could have the antidote to shut down streaking Chicago as Andrew Abbott takes the mound.
I’ll explain why I think Cincinnati’s southpaw could have the upper hand this afternoon in my MLB picks for Friday, May 30.
Reds vs Cubs prediction
My Reds vs Cubs best bet: Andrew Abbott Under 2.5 earned runs (-115 at bet365)
The Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs will face off in a three-game set for the second straight weekend, with Chicago taking two of three off Cincinnati in the previous series.
The Cubs scored a whopping 28 runs against the Reds through those three contests, and you could argue that Andrew Abbott was the main reason why Cincinnati was able to snag a 6-4 win last Saturday.
The southpaw scattered six hits and gave up just one run — a solo homer to Justin Turner — over 5 2/3 innings of work. That’s been par for the course for Abbott, who’s allowed more than one earned run just once in eight starts this season. In fact, the 25-year-old has allowed just two earned runs total over five starts in May, with three scoreless starts over that span.
Abbott does not qualify for the official MLB leaderboards given that he’s thrown just 40 2/3 innings this season, but his 1.77 ERA ranks ahead of NL ERA leader Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1.97).
The Cubs certainly have a formidable offense as they lead the MLB in runs scored, but Abbott proved last weekend that he has the stuff to stifle them. It also helps that Abbott is averaging just about five innings per start, which should minimize his chances of getting into too much trouble.
Reds vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Andrew Abbott Under 2.5 earned runs
Reds moneyline
Cubs team total Over 2.5
Going hand-in-hand with a strong outing for Abbott, I think the Reds have a good chance to take another game off the division-leading Cubs this afternoon.
Cubs starter Colin Rea is in the midst of a rocky month as he’s posted a 4.82 ERA through five games in May. That stretch includes last Saturday’s game against the Reds, who beat up Rea for seven hits and six earned runs over just five innings.
Finally, let's go for some non-correlated value and take Chicago to put up at least three runs on the board. The hosts have scored Over 2.5 runs in 10 of their last 12 outings and lead the majors with 5.89 runs per game.
Once Abbott is out, they can club a Reds bullpen (sans the recently-traded Alexis Diaz) that ranks 19th in ERA (4.05).
Reds vs Cubs odds
Reds vs Cubs live odds
Reds vs Cubs opening odds
- Moneyline: Cincinnati +142 | Chicago -170
- Run line: Cincinnati +1.5 | Chicago -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Reds vs Cubs trend
The Reds have hit the Under in 32 of their last 53 games (+9.95 Units / 17% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Reds vs. Cubs.
How to watch Reds vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, 5-30-2025 |
| First pitch | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLBN |
| Reds starting pitcher | Andrew Abbott (4-0, 1.77 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Colin Rea (3-1, 3.28 ERA) |
Reds vs Cubs latest injuries
Reds vs Cubs weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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