Game Details & Broadcast Info

When: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – 7:40 PM ET
Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
TV: FDSSO

The Chicago Cubs welcome the Atlanta Braves to Wrigley Field for Tuesday night baseball, with playoff implications on the line for the home team.

Current Odds & Lines

Team
Moneyline
Run Line
Total

Atlanta Braves
+150
+1.5 (-145)
Over 8 (-118)

Chicago Cubs
-180
-1.5 (+118)
Under 8 (-102)

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Starting Pitcher Matchup

Joey Wentz (LHP) – Atlanta Braves

Record: 5-4
ERA: 4.92 | xERA: 4.26
WHIP: 1.42
K-BB%: 9.0%
fWAR: 0.9

Shota Imanaga (LHP) – Chicago Cubs

Record: 8-6
ERA: 3.08 | xERA: 3.63
WHIP: 0.93
K-BB%: 16.1%
fWAR: 1.3

The pitching advantage clearly favors Chicago with Imanaga’s superior numbers across the board.

Best Bets & Analysis

Primary Pick: Shota Imanaga Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-110)

Imanaga has been dealing lately, recording at least 18 outs in five consecutive starts. His recent stretch includes three straight seven-inning outings, showcasing both effectiveness and endurance.

The lefty’s 16.1% strikeout-minus-walk rate demonstrates excellent command, while his 0.93 WHIP indicates he’s limiting baserunners consistently. Against a Braves lineup that’s essentially playing out the string, Imanaga should have little trouble working deep into this contest.

Secondary Play: Chicago Cubs Moneyline (-180)

The motivation factor heavily favors the Cubs in this matchup. Chicago currently holds the top National League Wild Card position and remains within striking distance in the NL Central race – just five games back after Milwaukee’s recent loss to Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, Atlanta has already been eliminated from playoff contention and appears to be going through the motions in September. This type of situational advantage often proves decisive in late-season matchups.

The Cubs also benefit from:

Superior starting pitching with Imanaga vs. Wentz
Home field advantage at pitcher-friendly Wrigley Field
Recent momentum with their current winning streak

Betting Market Analysis

Public sentiment strongly supports the Cubs across all markets:

86% of spread bets backing Chicago -1.5
79% of moneyline action on Cubs to win
86% of total bets taking the over 8 runs

This heavy public backing, combined with the Cubs’ legitimate advantages, suggests the market has properly identified value on the home team.

Parlay Recommendation

Two-Leg Parlay (+110 odds):

Shota Imanaga Over 17.5 Outs
Chicago Cubs Moneyline

This combination leverages both the Cubs’ pitching advantage and their superior motivation level. The +110 payout provides solid value for what should be a straightforward Cubs victory.

Injury Report

Atlanta Braves: No major injury concerns affecting tonight’s lineup

Chicago Cubs: Relatively healthy heading into this crucial stretch run

Final Prediction

Look for Imanaga to continue his excellent recent form while the Cubs take advantage of playing a demoralized Braves team. The combination of superior pitching and higher stakes should carry Chicago to a comfortable home victory.

Projected Final Score: Cubs 6, Braves 3

Let´s go Cubs!

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