Cubs vs Reds Picks and Odds – July 30

• Yu Darvish and the Chicago Cubs are in Cincinnati to face Luis Castillo and the Reds on July 30th at 6:10 pm ET
• Chicago can take the series with a win, while the Reds are looking to split the four-game set
• In the article below, check out the odds, analysis and a pick for the game

The Chicago Cubs look to salvage a series win on Thursday against NL Central rival Cincinnati Reds at 6:10 pm ET at Great American Ballpark.

Cincinnati snapped a four-game losing streak with a win on Wednesday and could move within a game of first in the division with another one.

Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Odds

Odds taken July 29

About Last Night

The Reds won a wild and weird game on Wednesday, 12-7, after mounting a nine-run lead through five innings and are favored tonight in the Cubs vs Reds odds.

Nicholas Castellanos stayed hot for the Reds, extending his hit streak to six games with a 2-for-3 effort that included two runs scored and four RBIs.

GRAND SLAM NICK CASTELLANOS!!!!#TAKETHECENTRAL pic.twitter.com/3vQlOB66yI

— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) July 30, 2020

Cincinnati’s massive lead began to erode with its bullpen, which allowed five earned runs on six hits and three walks in 2 1/3 innings.

Interestingly enough, both teams have had horrendous bullpens so far. The Cubs’ relievers have a league-worst 9.00 ERA, while the Reds’ relievers rank 22nd with a 5.06 ERA.

Reds Career Stats vs Darvish

Darvish a Familiar Face for Cubs

If you notice the above chart, several Reds have had at least a handful of looks at Yu Darvish, with mostly positive results.

And it’s true, Darvish hasn’t been very inspiring in recent outings against the Reds. His past five starts against Cincinnati — all that came last season — resulted in a 1-2 record and 4.60 ERA. He also allowed seven homers total in those games.

On Sept. 17, Yu Darvish struck out eight straight Reds, a Cubs' record for the longest streak in a single game.

More: https://t.co/DRe0AT6EP4 pic.twitter.com/9OWwUiYnmZ

— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) December 30, 2019

Darvish’s first start of 2020 wasn’t to his liking either, as he lasted just four innings against the Brewers and took the loss, allowing six hits and three runs.

Cubs Career Stats vs Castillo

Castillo Is Cruising

Luis Castillo did everything right in his first start of the season (six innings, six hits, one run, 11 strikeouts), but came out with a no-decision against the Tigers. He’ll be seeking to continue his run of recent success against the Cubs, who he has a 3-1 record and 2.84 ERA in his past five starts.

The Reds’ rotation is awfully deep, and Castillo is certainly part of that. He was an All-Star last season, with a 15-8 record and 3.40 ERA.

Luis Castillo. Utter disrespect for his elder. pic.twitter.com/CMixuxVC7N

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 25, 2020

He is particularly strong at limiting the long ball, with a career 1.2 home runs per nine. Last year, the Cubs finished second in the NL in homers (256).

Reds Were Due; Can They Roll?

Looking at Cincinnati’s four-game losing streak, you can see they were due for a win. Four losses by a combined seven runs, and they were tied or leading entering the ninth inning in two of them.

On Wednesday, their offense really broke out. And Castillo is the type of pitcher who may only need a few runs of support to turn in a winning effort. Perhaps it’s time for the Reds to get rolling.

Pick: Cincinnati Reds, -122