The Detroit Tigers will look to build on the recent success of Framber Valdez when they face the Chicago Cubs tonight as +101 underdogs.
My Tigers vs Cubs predictions are targeting Detroit to win this contest as the struggling David Peterson counters for the hosts.
Read more in my MLB picks for Tuesday, July 21.
Who will win Tigers vs Cubs today: Tigers (+101)
Framber Valdez has been reliable lately for the Detroit Tigers. The left-hander owns a 3.27 FIP across his last four appearances while holding opponents to a 5.3% barrel rate during that span.
Valdez’s primary offering, the sinker, could also give the Chicago Cubs problems. More than half of the Cubs’ starters have a Run Value of one or lower against the pitch, limiting their matchup appeal against his top weapon.
David Peterson, meanwhile, has collected an alarming 7.99 xERA over his previous three starts. He's also allowed a 46.9% hard-hit rate in those outings.
Valdez keeps Chicago at bay, and Detroit’s improving offense does enough damage off the vulnerable Peterson.
I'll play this pick up to -120.
COVERS INTEL: Valdez has pitched noticeably better on the road, compiling a 3.78 FIP compared to a 4.46 mark at home. 
Tigers vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 runs (-126)
While the series opener was high-scoring, I don't expect that to be the case again. Valdez is pitching well, and the Tigers bullpen has a solid 3.11 xERA over the last two weeks.
Peterson is clearly struggling, but one horrendous outing has inflated his numbers. Plus, the Cubs relief corps is also in respectable form, posting a 3.34 xERA over the last four games.
Both offenses are producing lately, but neither lineup is showing overwhelming power. Chicago has a .183 ISO in the last week, and the Tigers sit at .195 in the last two weeks.
With Valdez in strong form and both bullpens looking steady, the Under has value.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
- ML/RL bets: 35-38, -7.20 units
- Over/Under bets: 41-30, +5.01 units
Tigers vs Cubs weather
Tigers vs Cubs odds
- Moneyline: Tigers +104 | Cubs -108
- Run line: Tigers -1.5 (+178) | Cubs +1.5 (-186)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-100) | Under 8.5 (-104)
Tigers vs Cubs trend
The Detroit Tigers have hit the game total Under in 20 of their last 30 games (+8.85 Units / 27% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Tigers vs. Cubs.
How to watch Tigers vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 |
| First pitch | 8:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | DSN, Marquee |
| Tigers starting pitcher | Framber Valdez (5-6, 4.10 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | David Peterson (4-7, 6.45 ERA) |
Tigers vs Cubs latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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