Chicago is only two games back of the Wild Card. The Cubs face Max Fried, who’s making his first start since May 5th. Since the beginning of July, Atlanta is hitting .227 with a .678 OPS against righties on the road. The Cubs have been hitting .264 with a .784 OPS against lefties at home during that span as well.

The Cubs are on an 11-2 roll right now to put them two games back for the last NL Wild Card. But this will be the Cubs first big test after beating the Cardinals, White Sox, Nationals, and Reds. It’s the Braves with MLB’s best record. The wind is blowing in at 13 mph, but my angle is betting against Max Fried who last started on May 5 giving up seven runs. Time for the Cubs to show us they really are a playoff team. Cubs to win.

I have gone back and forth and if it didn't involve my Cubs/standalone game probably would pass. Atlanta is obviously loaded and gets All-Star pitcher Max Fried back from the IL today (see news feed). He has been great career against the Cubs but hasn't pitched in the Show since early May. Kyle Hendricks is usually solid for Chicago, but several Braves have very good splits off him. And the Cubbies had to play last night (at home), while Atlanta didn't. The Cubs generally do fare well in these Friday afternoon home games, and I can't turn down a 70-cent price difference between this and the ATL moneyline. Ideally a win/win here: Cubbies upset victory. They are five games over .500 vs. lefties.