Miami Marlins vs Chi. Cubs Cubs Picks and Predictions August 24th 2024

Chicago comes into this NL matchup vs. the Marlins looking to extend their two-game winning streak. They are 64-65 this season, and today’s money line odds have them at -166 compared to the Marlins at +141. Today’s over/under line is sitting at 8 runs, and the game is being played at loanDepot Park in Miami.

MARQ will be televising this matchup, which gets underway at 4:10 PM ET. Shota Imanaga is starting for the Cubs, while Valente Bellozo goes for the Marlins. In the NL Central, the Cubs are currently 3rd, while the Marlins are on a four-game losing streak and are 5th in the NL East.

Shota Imanaga gets the start for the Cubs today as he faces the Marlins on the road. So far this season, he has made 23 starts and has a record of 9-3 with an ERA of 3.10. Imanaga’s WHIP for the season is currently 1.07. In his 23 appearances, he has turned in 13 quality starts. Looking back at his last outing, Imanaga took the loss, going five innings and giving up one earned run on six hits. Before that, he had won two straight starts. One positive note is that he has allowed just one homer in three of his last four outings.

Chicago comes into the game as one of the league’s worst offensive teams, averaging just 4.2 runs per game, which is 18th in the MLB. This is a team that has been below average in just about every major offensive category, including batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. One thing they have done well is draw walks, as they are 7th in the league in that category. The Cubs are also 16th in home runs this season.

Over his last 10 games, Ian Happ has gone 10/37 with four homers and six RBIs. For the season, he leads the Cubs with 71 RBIs and is batting just .232. Isaac Paredes is also near the top of the Cubs’ home run and RBI charts, but he has a batting average of just .228.

Miami is sending Valente Bellozo to the mound today vs. the Cubs, and he has made six starts this year. Bellozo’s record for the season is 2-1, and his ERA is 2.46. So far, he has made one quality start and is coming off an outing in which he gave up two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings of work. In that outing, he gave up one homer. Bellozo has been pitching well lately, as he hasn’t taken a loss in his last three outings. Opponents are batting .218 off the right-hander this year.

So far this season, the Marlins are averaging just 3.7 runs per game, which is 29th in the league. They have been even worse on the road, averaging only 3.2 runs per contest. Miami’s offense is also near the bottom of the league in home runs and walks. As a team, they are batting .239, which is 14th in the league.

Jake Burger has been the Marlins’ top power threat this season, as his 25 home runs are 13th in the league. However, he has struggled of late, batting just .219 over his last eight games. Burger is also the team’s leader in RBIs, with 57. Miami’s top home run hitter is also looking to extend his hitting streak to four games.

As the Chicago Cubs continue their push to reach a .500 record for the first time since early June, they’re leaning on left-hander Shota Imanaga in a crucial rematch against the Miami Marlins on Saturday afternoon. A win would bring the Cubs to 65-65 and keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while the Marlins, currently holding the worst record in the National League, look to snap a four-game losing streak.

Cubs on the Verge of .500

The Cubs have fought through a rollercoaster season, and after a solid 6-3 win on Friday night, they are just one victory away from evening their record. Manager Craig Counsell knows how critical it is to keep the momentum going, especially with the team’s playoff chances sitting at just 2.9%, according to FanGraphs.

Imanaga Leads the Charge

Shota Imanaga has been a steady force for the Cubs this season, and he’ll be taking the mound on Saturday. With a 9-3 record and a 3.11 ERA, Imanaga has played a key role in keeping the Cubs competitive. The team has won 17 of the 23 games he’s started, showcasing his impact. The 30-year-old, who was a star in Japan’s pro league before coming to the MLB, has shown he can adapt to the big leagues. Although his August performances have been a bit less dominant, with a 3.80 ERA over his last four starts, Imanaga’s previous outing against the Marlins in April was impressive—he allowed just two earned runs over six innings in a 5-3 victory. The Cubs are hoping for a repeat performance to help them reach .500.

Marlins Struggling to Find Form

The Marlins have hit a rough patch, losing seven of their last eight games and struggling at home, where they have a 24-43 record this season. Their current homestand has been particularly challenging, going 0-4 with one game left after Saturday.

To make matters worse, the Marlins lost shortstop Xavier Edwards on Friday due to lower back discomfort. Edwards, who has been one of Miami’s bright spots with a .349 average and 22 steals this season, exited the game after just two innings, and his status for Saturday remains uncertain.

Pitching Matchup: Bellozo vs. Imanaga

The Marlins will counter Imanaga with rookie right-hander Valente Bellozo, who has been a solid performer with a 2-1 record and a 2.45 ERA. Interestingly, Bellozo has been more effective on the road, posting a 1.61 ERA in four starts away from home compared to a 4.22 ERA in two starts at loanDepot Park.

If the Marlins manage to gain a late lead, manager Skip Schumaker is likely to turn to relievers Calvin Faucher and Declan Cronin, who have been effective at preventing home runs this season—a key asset for a bullpen that often needs to protect slim leads.

Crow-Armstrong Adds Excitement

In Friday’s victory, rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong brought some excitement with an inside-the-park home run, circling the bases in just 14.08 seconds—the fastest time in the majors this season. Schumaker, who coached Crow-Armstrong when he was just 14, praised the young player’s athleticism and defensive skills in center field.

What’s at Stake

With the Cubs on the verge of reaching .500 and the Marlins eager to avoid sinking further in the standings, Saturday’s game carries significant weight for both teams. Shota Imanaga will look to lead the Cubs to another victory and keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Marlins aim to end their losing streak and regain some momentum before their homestand ends.

Our lean for this Cubs vs. Marlins matchup is to take the Cubs to win straight up, and we are also leaning towards the over. This game is projected to have the 7th most combined runs in today’s slate and the 6th most hits. However, there isn’t expected to be a ton of home runs, as this game has the 2nd lowest home run projection. Shota Imanaga has the 6th best strikeout projection among today’s starters.