Preview of St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs: Predictions, Odds, and Starting Pitchers for June 14th

Jun 3, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Gibson (44) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

• We’ve made our Cardinals vs Cubs prediction for Friday’s MLB rivalry game
• The Friday MLB odds are a pick’em, with neither team being heavily favored
• Read below for Cardinals vs Cubs prediction, odds and starting pitchers for June 14th

The St. Louis Cardinals (32-34; 16-19 away) and Chicago Cubs (33-35; 18-13 home) renew their long-standing rivalry at Wrigley Field on Friday, June 14, 2024, in the first of a three-game series with significant implications for the tight NL wild-card race. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. EDT, with the game broadcast on MARQ.

Oddsmakers have this matchup as a virtual toss-up, with both teams listed at -108 on the moneyline and the total set at 8 runs. We’ve made our Cardinals vs Cubs prediction, plus analyzed the betting odds and starting pitchers’ matchup.

Here is our St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs prediction for Friday, along with MLB odds, H2H history and matchup analysis.

Cardinals vs Cubs Prediction

The Cardinals have had the upper hand in recent meetings, sweeping a two-game set at Busch Stadium less than a month ago and winning the last three head-to-head matchups. They’ll turn to Kyle Gibson (probable) to continue that trend.

The veteran right-hander has struggled in June, allowing 13 hits, five walks, two homers, and six runs over his last two starts. However, he’s been excellent on the road this season, posting a 3.19 ERA and limiting opponents to a .188 average.

good morning to everyone but ESPECIALLY Kyle Gibson👏😤 pic.twitter.com/i5sAXkcM8W

— Cardinals Talk (@theredbird_way) May 29, 2024

St. Louis’ offense has been underwhelming, ranking 24th in runs per game (3.92) and in the bottom third of the league in batting average, OBP, and slugging. However, there are encouraging signs, with Nolan Arenado (.400 AVG, .458 OBP last week), Dylan Carlson (4 RBIs last five games), and Brendan Donovan (.348 AVG last week) all hitting well recently.

The Cubs will counter with left-hander Jordan Wicks (probable), who has been inconsistent in his rookie season, sporting a 4.44 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. However, he’s performed better at Wrigley Field, posting a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings. He’ll need to be at his best against a Cardinals lineup that, despite its overall struggles, has been effective against left-handed pitching (.785 OPS vs LHP).

Jordan Wicks, Filthy 84mph Changeup. 😷 pic.twitter.com/HiDnPUlSS8

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 24, 2024

Chicago’s offense has also struggled, ranking 17th in runs per game and 25th in batting average. However, they excel at drawing walks (4th highest BB%) and have seen strong recent performances from Seiya Suzuki (.368 AVG, 2 HR last week), Christopher Morel (.261 AVG, 2 HR last six games), and Cody Bellinger (.333 AVG last week).

Despite the even odds, I give a slight edge to the Cardinals. Gibson’s road success and the Cubs’ questionable bullpen (bottom 10 in ERA, FIP, and WAR) could prove decisive. Additionally, the Cardinals’ recent dominance over the Cubs and the momentum that comes with it should play a role in this rivalry game.

• Prediction: Cardinals ML (-108)

Cardinals vs Cubs Odds

The moneyline odds for this game are currently set at -108 for both the Cardinals and Cubs, indicating a nearly even matchup with no clear favorite. The -108 odds imply a 51.9% probability of either team winning the game.

The close MLB odds for Friday can be attributed to both teams having similar records and offensive struggles, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the Cubs’ starting pitcher situation.

The over/under for the game is set at 8 runs, suggesting oddsmakers expect a relatively low-scoring affair. This is likely due to both teams ranking in the bottom half of the league in runs per game and the potential for strong outings from the starting pitchers, particularly Gibson on the road.

Odds as of June 13, 2024, at FanDuel Sportsbook. Claim the FanDuel promo code to bet on Cardinals vs Cubs.

Cardinals vs Cubs Starting Pitchers

Cardinals starter Gibson has been impressive on the road this season, going 2-1 with a 3.19 ERA and holding opponents to a .188 batting average. Despite his recent June struggles (13 hits, 5 walks, 2 homers, 6 runs allowed in two starts), his ability to limit damage away from Busch Stadium could be a key factor in this matchup.

For the Cubs, rookie left-hander Wicks takes the mound. While his overall numbers (4.44 ERA, 1.48 WHIP) are underwhelming, he’s been more effective at Wrigley Field, posting a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings. If he can continue his relative success at home, it could help the Cubs keep the game competitive.

The starting pitching matchup appears to favor the Cardinals slightly due to Gibson’s strong road performances, but Wicks’ home splits suggest he could hold his own and give the Cubs a chance to win.

Cardinals vs Cubs Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with several key injuries that could impact the series:

Cardinals:

• Steven Matz (SP): 15-day IL (05/01), Back
• Willson Contreras (C): 10-day IL (05/08), Arm
• Giovanny Gallegos (RP): 15-day IL (05/06), Shoulder
• Tommy Edman (3B): 60-day IL (03/25), Wrist
• Lars Nootbaar (RF): 10-day IL (05/30), Side
• Nick Robertson (RP): 15-day IL (05/23), Elbow

The Cardinals are missing some key players, particularly in their pitching staff with Steven Matz, Giovanny Gallegos, and Nick Robertson on the IL. The absence of Willson Contreras and Tommy Edman also weakens their lineup.

Cubs:

• Yency Almonte (RP): 15-day IL (05/08), Shoulder
• Adbert Alzolay (SP): 60-day IL (05/13), Forearm
• Julian Merryweather (SP): 60-day IL (04/06), Shoulder
• Caleb Kilian (SP): 60-day IL (03/28), Shoulder
• Ben Brown (SP): 15-day IL (06/11), Neck
• Daniel Palencia (RP): 15-day IL (05/07), Shoulder

The Cubs are dealing with multiple injuries to their pitching staff, with several starters and relievers on the IL. This could put additional pressure on their active pitchers and potentially lead to increased bullpen usage in the series.

While both teams are dealing with injuries, the Cubs’ pitching staff appears to be more severely impacted, which could give the Cardinals an advantage, especially if the games become bullpen battles.

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