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Chi. Cubs (66-48) at St. Louis (58-58)
- When: Aug 8 2025, 8:15 PM
- Where: Busch Stadium, St. Louis
- Where to watch: MLB Network
Cubs vs Cardinals – Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Moneyline: Chi. Cubs -154
Total: 8.5
RunLine: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (+105)
Chicago Cubs Betting Outlook
After a red-hot start to 2025, outfielder Kyle Tucker cooled off post-finger injury but remains a key piece in Chicago’s push toward the postseason. Tucker’s numbers, .271 AVG, 18 HRs, .859 OPS are still in line with his career norm, though his recent stretch has been less explosive. He returns to the lineup Friday after a couple of rest days, looking to reset against a shaky St. Louis staff.
Manager Craig Counsell is trusting All-Star lefty Matthew Boyd (11-4, 2.34 ERA) to set the tone. Boyd has dominated the Cardinals this year, 11 scoreless innings across two starts and boasts a 1.29 ERA in five career starts against them. The Cubs’ bullpen has held firm, and this matchup favors them in both pitching and momentum.
Cubs Player Prop Pick: Kyle Tucker Over 0.5 RBIs – He’s due for a breakout game, and this is a great spot to cash in.
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Outlook
The Cardinals are navigating a bullpen makeover after trading off key arms at the deadline. Young talent like JoJo Romero, Riley O’Brien, and rookies like Graceffo and Svanson are now tasked with holding games late and the growing pains are evident.
Rookie Michael McGreevy (3-2, 5.08 ERA) gets the start and has struggled since joining the rotation full-time. In his last two outings, he’s allowed 11 earned runs in under 11 innings, including five runs against the Cubs back in June. With the bullpen unproven and McGreevy’s inconsistency, St. Louis is in a vulnerable spot here.
Still, the Cardinals have been scrappy offensively and managed to steal that high-scoring game vs. Chicago earlier this year.
Cardinals Player Prop Pick: Nolan Arenado Over 1.5 Total Bases – He’s been one of the few stable bats in the lineup and sees lefties like Boyd well historically.
Prediction & Betting Angle
Chicago enters with a clear edge in starting pitching and bullpen stability. Tucker’s return and Boyd’s dominance over St. Louis line up well for the Cubs to control this game. St. Louis’ arms are in flux, and their starter has been leaking runs. McGreevy’s struggles and a shaky Cards bullpen should give the Cubs offense plenty of opportunity, even if Boyd holds down St. Louis early.
Final Score Prediction: Cubs 6, Cardinals 3
Lean: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (+105)
Total: Over 8.5 (-105)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
