The St. Louis Cardinals, currently at a .500 record and within reach of a Wild Card spot, have made moves at the trade deadline that suggest a focus on future seasons rather than immediate postseason contention. Despite their position, the Cardinals traded away pitching assets, opening opportunities for pitchers like Hunter Dobbins.
Dobbins, who has a 2-3 record with a 3.40 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP this season, has seen action as both a starter and a reliever. He has made two starts against the Cubs this season, allowing a combined five earned runs over nine innings. His performance in his starts against Chicago has included allowing four earned runs.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs are playing some of their best baseball of the season but remain behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central standings. The division race has largely become a two-team contest between the Cubs and Brewers since May. The Cubs addressed pitching needs around the trade deadline, with the potential return of Justin Steele on the horizon.
This afternoon's game will feature Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera. In his first year with the Cubs, Cabrera has a 5-4 record, a 5.10 ERA, and a 1.40 WHIP. While he has shown flashes of talent, consistency has been an issue. In the eight games before his late June injured list stint, his earned run totals were 3, 5, 3, 1, 8, 2, 5, and 2. He averages about five innings per start, completing at least six innings in only four of his 14 starts.
The Cardinals are considered the home team in this matchup, but the Cubs' offense and defense make them a difficult opponent. With familiar opponents, two less-than-reliable starting pitchers, and an afternoon game at Wrigley Field, the game is projected to have a high number of runs scored. Betting on the over for total runs is considered a strong play.