Picks, Props & Splits for Cardinals vs Cubs (Aug 16)

• The Chicago Cubs are -156 home favorites in the rubber match of their set with the St Louis Cardinals
• Carson Kelly has recorded at least one hit in six straight games against St Louis
• Read below for the my Cardinals vs Cubs picks, props, updated odds and betting splits

The Chicago Cubs will look for a series win against division rival St Louis in the rubber match of their set this afternoon.

First pitch is scheduled for 3:15pm ET at Wrigley Field, with ABC carrying the broadcast.

I am looking for the home favorites to rebound after the Cardinals secured an 8-4 victory in yesterday’s series opener, powered by a staggering five home runs.

Check below as I share my top pick, props, as well the latest betting odds.

Cardinals vs Cubs Picks

Let’s start with the MLB probable pitchers.

Edward Cabrera sports an 8.09 K/9 with 65 punchouts over 72.1 innings. Backing him at 43 cents for 5+ strikeouts presents an intriguing spot, provided his hamstring holds up.

Dobbins has produced an 8.13 K/9 across his 31.0 frames and is priced at 54 cents for 4+ strikeouts. Both pitchers share lines indicating sportsbooks expect roughly five innings of work.

STL Cardinals vs CHI Cubs Props

I am starting my card by backing Chicago backstop Carson Kelly to record a base hit. He has topped his 0.5 hits prop in six straight games against the Cardinals. Kelly has also eclipsed this mark in 10 of his last 12 games overall (83%). The -155 price on BetMGM offers reasonable value for a hitter locked in like this.

My second pick turns to the St. Louis lineup, targeting outfielder Jordan Walker. He is a reliable contact hitter, compiling a .280 batting average with 129 knocks over 461 at-bats. I have supreme confidence Walker will find his way on base with a hit in hostile territory today.

For my final prediction, I am looking at designated hitter Ivan Herrera’s total bases prop. Herrera has struggled to generate multi-hit performances lately. The underlying trends paint a clear picture: Herrera is 0-4 vs a total bases over/under of 1.5 over his last four games (0%). His recent power outage makes the under the smartest play. This ticket cashes even if he secures a single, provided he doesn’t stretch it into a double.

Cardinals vs Cubs Odds & Betting Splits

The graphic above shows the best available odds, which are subject to change. Be sure to use the BetMGM promo code to bet on Cardinals vs Cubs or any other MLB game. And don’t forget to check out the MLB batter vs pitcher stats before making your prop bets.

The Cubs are favored to win with -153 moneyline odds at DraftKings, with more enticing odds on the spread at +130, if you take them to win by at least two runs, courtesy Caesars.

For the Cardinals, they’re +146 to win straight up at FanDuel, but as they are getting runs on the spread, so goes the tax, paying at -150 odds to cover at bet365.

For the total, the Over at 8.5 runs is paying at -118 odds at BetMGM, the same price at FanDuel, but the Under is getting another half run to 9.0.

The MLB public betting splits are siding heavily with the home team, with 80% of the tickets and 79% of the handle on the Cubs moneyline. The spread has the Cubs getting 73% of the bets and 70% of the money.

The public also prefers the Over, with 66% of the tickets and 67% of the money expecting the teams to top 8.5 runs.