Chi. Cubs Cubs vs Minnesota Twins Picks and Predictions August 6th 2024

There does appear to be a chance of rain in Chicago on Tuesday, where the Cubs and Twins are set to face off at 8:05 PM ET at Wrigley Field. However, the forecasted temperature is 68 degrees. Minnesota is 63-48 and they are 2nd in the AL Central, while the Cubs are 55-60 and 5th in the NL Central.

The money line odds have the Cubs at -107 compared to the Twins at -111, and the over/under line is currently at 6 runs. Shota Imanaga is starting for the Cubs, while the Twins are going with Pablo Lopez. Minnesota comes into the game on a five-game winning streak. MARQ has this one on TV.

Minnesota vs. Chicago Key Information

• Teams: Twins at Cubs
• Where: Wrigley Field Chicago
• Date: Tuesday, August 6th
• Betting Odds MIN -111 | CHC -107 O/U 6

Pablo López gets the start for the Twins today and comes in with a record of 10-7 and an ERA of 4.64. So far this season, he has made 22 starts, and opponents are batting .237 off the right-hander. López has turned in 11 quality starts this year and is averaging 10.31 strikeouts per nine innings. In his last outing, he went six innings, picking up the win while giving up two earned runs, seven hits, and three walks. Before that, he had given up at least two earned runs in three straight starts. The right-hander has not lost since June 26th.

For the season, the Twins are averaging 4.9 runs per game, which is 6th in the league. At home, they are averaging 5.1 runs per game and are also among the league leaders in home runs, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. As a team, they are averaging 8 strikeouts per game, which is 9th in the league.

Ryan Jeffers has just a .229 batting average this season, but his 16 homers are the best on the team and 15th in the league. He also has 52 RBIs, which is the best mark on the Twins. Byron Buxton and Carlos Santana are tied for 2nd on the team with 14 homers apiece, and Buxton is batting .276 this season, compared to a mark of .243 for Santana.

• The Twins are 7-3 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Twins are 5-0 vs. the run line.
• Minnesota has an over/under record of 6-3-1 in their last ten games.
• The Twins have an average of 8.0 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten road games, the Twins are 5-5
• Looking back across the Twins last five games as the favorite, they are 5-0
• Minnesota has gone 2-1 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Twins have averaged 3.6 runs per game on offense

Chicago is sending Shota Imanaga to the mound today vs. the Twins, and he has made 20 starts this season. Imanaga’s record is 8-2, and he has an ERA of 3.10. The left-hander has made 12 quality starts this year and is coming off an outing in which he didn’t allow an earned run. In that July 10th start vs. the Orioles, he went six innings and gave up six hits. Imanaga has finished with a no-decision in each of his last three outings. So far, he has been much better on the road, going 5-1 with a 3.10 ERA compared to 3-1 with a 4.56 ERA at home.

So far this season, the Cubs offense is averaging 4.2 runs per game, which is 22nd in the league. They have been a little better on the road, averaging 4.3 runs per game, but at home, they are averaging just 4 runs per contest. As a team, they are batting .234, which is 16th in the league, and are also 20th in home runs.

Chicago’s top power threat this season has been Ian Happ and Isaac Paredes, as both players have 16 homers. Happ’s 62 RBIs are the best mark on the team, but he is hitting just .229 for the season. Seiya Suzuki is hitting .274 and has gone deep 16 times. Nico Hoerner is batting .254 and has four homers.

• The Cubs are 6-4 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Cubs are 4-1 vs. the run line.
• Chicago has an over/under record of 6-4 in their last ten games.
• The Cubs have an average of 4.2 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten home games, the Cubs are 5-5
• Looking back across the Cubs last five games as the favorite, they are 2-3
• Chicago has gone 1-2 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Cubs have averaged 5.3 runs per game on offense

Shota Imanaga, Cubs Out to Slow Surging Twins

The Chicago Cubs are eager to reignite their playoff hopes as they face the surging Minnesota Twins at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. With left-hander Shota Imanaga on the mound, the Cubs aim to get back on track and boost their standings.

Cubs Seek Offensive Spark

The Cubs are coming off a frustrating 3-0 loss to the Twins, marked by 14 strikeouts and only four hits. Manager Craig Counsell pointed out the team’s unusual habit of chasing pitches below the zone, which they need to fix to support Imanaga’s efforts.

Despite the recent setback, the Cubs showed promise by winning three of four games against the St. Louis Cardinals. This series win hinted at their potential to compete for a division title. However, the shutout was the 11th time this season they failed to score, leaving them six games out of the National League’s final wild-card spot.

Imanaga’s Impact

Shota Imanaga (8-2, 3.09 ERA) has been a rock for the Cubs, with the team holding a 16-4 record when he starts. They’ve won his last four outings. In his previous start, Imanaga pitched 6 2/3 innings against the Cardinals, allowing four runs on 10 hits and two home runs. Facing the Twins for the first time, he brings an element of unpredictability to the matchup.

Twins Riding High

The Twins have won five straight games, closing the gap to 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. Their lineup gets a boost with the return of center fielder Byron Buxton, who has a 1.087 OPS since July. Buxton missed Monday’s game for a planned rest after a collision with the outfield wall in Sunday’s 13-7 win over the White Sox.

Pitching Duel: Imanaga vs. Lopez

Minnesota counters with right-hander Pablo Lopez (10-7, 4.65 ERA), who has delivered three straight quality starts. In his last outing, Lopez limited the New York Mets to two runs over six innings. He has a solid history against the Cubs, with a 2.66 ERA in four career starts, though he is 1-2 in those games.

Key Player Returns

Both teams will benefit from the return of key players. Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki is expected back after missing Monday’s game due to neck stiffness. Suzuki has been on fire, posting a 1.020 OPS over a 21-game stretch.

For the Twins, Buxton’s return is carefully managed to keep him productive and healthy.

Gain Premium Betting Tips! Sign Up Today.

Strategic Insights

1. Improving Plate Discipline: The Cubs need to stop chasing low pitches to generate more offense.
2. Imanaga’s Unpredictability: His unfamiliarity to the Twins could be a key advantage.
3. Maintaining Momentum: The Twins will look to keep their winning streak alive and capitalize on Buxton’s return.

The Lean

Our lean would be to take the Cubs to win straight-up in this one as they host the Twins. We have this as the 4th lowest-scoring game of the day, but with the line sitting at 6 runs, we are leaning towards taking the over. Cubs starter Shota Imanaga has the 8th worst innings pitched projection among today’s starters, but we have the Cubs’ offense doing just enough to get the win. Minnesota’s offense has the 2nd lowest team strikeout projection in the league today, but we still like Imanaga’s strikeout potential.