Unfortunately, this is the only day game today despite it being a Thursday, and unfortunately there is rain in the forecast so it might not even get played. However, I will still make this play in case it gets played. I heard a stat about Justin Steele a few days ago that perplexed me and I swore, under the right circumstances, I would back him next start. Well, were getting the right circumstances. But that stat is Justin Steele has allowed just 1 barrel all season. So essentially, opposing batters have squared up just one of his pitches in 33 innings pitched this season. He does get into trouble with walks and that’s really my only concern today, but he has also pitched back to back quality starts. The Reds also struggle against lefties. Hunter Greene has pitched very well in his last two starts but he is still a rookie, he will struggle with consistency. The Cubs have been hitting lately and they add Willson Contreras and Nico Hoerner back to the lineup today. Take the Cubs on the road.

With the Cubs playing this afternoon, I have to have an opinion -- although do note this may get rained out. I don't really have a lean on the side, but the winds are blowing in today about 12 mph from right field so we'll lean the Under 8.5 runs because both starting pitchers can dominate. Chicago's Justin Steele has allowed two earned or fewer in four straight (also 1.89 ERA in day games this year), and Reds rookie Hunter Greene is now showing why he was such a touted prospect with four earned allowed and 21 strikeouts over his past three (see news story). Yep, I do worry about the Cincinnati bullpen behind him.