Clarke Schmidt is expected to make his first start for the New York Yankees since late May, but despite the rust, my Yankees vs. Cubs predictions expect to see a pitchers’ duel at Wrigley Field this afternoon as he goes toe-to-toe against Chicago starter Javier Assad.
Keep reading to find out why I’m taking the Under as my best bet in my MLB picks for Saturday, September 7.
Yankees vs Cubs prediction
My best bet
Under 7 (-102 at DraftKings)
My analysis
It’s been a pretty long road back for Clarke Schmidt, who suffered a right lat strain way back in May, but the New York Yankees starter will finally take the mound this afternoon against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Schmidt was limited to just 70 pitches and 4 2-3 innings in his final rehab start for Double-A Somerset on Monday, so I don’t expect too much length out of him. However, the right-hander has been excellent this year when healthy, posting a 2.52 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 11 starts.
He’ll go up against Javier Assad, who’s excelled in his first year as a full-time starter in the majors. Assad was struggling to pitch late into ballgames in early August but has averaged more than six innings across his last three starts while putting together a tidy 3.16 ERA through six outings last month.
Both clubs also boast solid bullpens, with the Cubs ranking ninth in bullpen ERA (3.77) and the Yanks ranking 11th (3.86). Couple that with a strong 15 mph wind expected to be blowing in from left field and I don’t see these clubs running up the score after combining for just three runs on Friday.
Aaron Judge pick: Swing state
My best bet
Aaron 2+ total bases (+100 at DraftKings)
My analysis
Aaron Judge has cooled off a bit down the stretch, managing just three RBI in his last 10 games, though he did notch an RBI double during New York’s 3-0 win in Friday’s series opener.
The AL MVP frontrunner has struggled to make much contact, batting just .150 in September, but the power is always there. Two of Judge’s three hits this month have been for extra bases, and he’s notched 2+ total bases in eight of his last 16 contests.
Yankees vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 7
Aaron Judge 2+ total bases
Dansby Swanson 1+ RBI
While I’m not expecting a high-scoring game overall, one player who could certainly blow it open (other than Judge, of course) is Dansby Swanson. The Cubs shortstop has been on fire to start September, batting an even .500 through five games.
Swanson’s hot streak goes even further back, though, as he’s collected 15 RBI in his last 10 games while failing to drive in a run just twice over that span.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Yankees vs Cubs odds
Yankees vs Cubs live odds
Yankees vs Cubs opening odds
- Moneyline: New York -2 (+120) | Chicago +2 (-142)
- Run line: New York -135 | Chicago +114
- Over/Under: Over 7 (-118) | Under 7 (-102)
Yankees vs Cubs moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Yankees opened as the slight favorite on the road at –138, but by Friday night, we already saw that number climb as high as –150 at some books. Meanwhile, the Cubs opened at +127 despite going 10-4 in their last 14 contests.
- New York has dominated this matchup, winning nine of the last 11 meetings vs Chicago and five straight at Wrigley Field.
- The total opened at 7.5 runs, with the Under going 3-1 in Schmidt’s last four starts and 3-0-1 in Assad’s last four outings.
Yankees vs Cubs trend
The Under is 13-6 in the last 19 meetings. Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Cubs.
Yankees vs Cubs game info
| Location: | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Saturday, 9-7-2024 |
| First pitch: | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV: | YES Network, Marquee |
| Yankees starting pitcher: | Clarke Schmidt (5-3, 2.52 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher: | Javier Assad (7-4, 3.21 ERA) |
Yankees vs Cubs latest injuries
Yankees vs Cubs weather
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