Cubs vs. Reds prediction and odds for Wednesday, April 5 (Cubs undervalued)

The Chicago Cubs have gotten off to a bit of a slow start this season, going 2-3 through their first five games, but they have their ace back on the mound on Wednesday afternoon. 

Marcus Stroman (1-0, 0.00 ERA) gets the ball for Chicago against the Cincinnati Reds young star Hunter Greene (0-0, 8.10 ERA). Greene was tagged for three runs in 3.1 innings on Opening Day, so he’s looking to bounce back in this matchup. 

The Cubs dealt the Milwaukee Brewers their only loss of the season with Stroman on the bump on Opening Day, and the Chicago ace may be a little undervalued in a near pick’em spot on Wednesday. 

Here are the latest odds:

Cubs vs. Reds odds, run line and total

Cubs vs. Reds prediction and pick

The Cubs’ bats came alive on Tuesday, scoring 12 runs in a win over Cincinnati, and they’ve now scored 18 runs in two games against the Reds after scoring just 10 in three games in their opening series. 

Stroman is the better starter in this game, and with a proven track record, while Greene is a top prospect who has flashed greatness at times in his young career. 

Greene is very susceptible to the home run ball, allowing 25 in his 25 career starts. Stroman, meanwhile, does a great job of keeping the ball in the ballpark, allowing fewer than 20 homers in all but two of his MLB seasons. 

I think the Cubs are a sneaky team in the NL Central if they can get some of their young players to step up, but I will trust a veteran like Stroman in this spot. 

Cincy had an easy series against Pittsburgh to start the year and still sits at 3-2 on the season. Back the Cubbies to win today. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.