A great bounce back spot for the Cubs who have lost 5 of 7 and get Rhett Lowder after a day off on Thursday. It's never ideal to be laying the run line with David Peterson on the mound, but he's been serviceable lately and I like the Cubs bats far more than the Reds. Cubs have the bullpen edge as well. Look for the Cubs to win comfortably this afternoon.
I almost always have an opinion on these Cubs standalone Friday matinees, and I see no reason why not to back them here -- although this is too high. Minus-1 I think would be your best wager to save 40-plus cents, but I'll roll with this. Seventh straight road game for Cincy, which is playing for nothing. Rhett Lowder has a 6.92 ERA away and is 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA during the day overall. Maybe he's a vampire (I'm Team Jacob). Cubs pitcher David Peterson is meh but better since coming from the Mets. Bit of urgency for Chicago on a two-game skid and its lead to host a Wild-Card Round series down to two. Gotta take advantage of a last-place team.
Peterson didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 10-8 loss to the Reds, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out six.
Pagan struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 18th save of the season in a 10-8 win over the Cubs.
Stewart went 2-for-4 with a walk, a home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Friday's 10-8 win over the Cubs.
De La Cruz went 3-for-5 with a run and two RBI in Friday's 10-8 win over the Cubs.
Lowder (6-8) picked up the win Friday, giving up three runs on six hits over five innings in a 10-8 victory over the Cubs. He struck out five without walking a batter.
The Cubs placed Milner on outright waivers Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
The Cubs activated Milner (appendectomy) from the 15-day injured list Friday and designated him for assignment, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
The Reds recalled Arroyo from Triple-A Louisville on Friday.
Cincinnati placed Hayes (groin) on the 10-day injured list Friday, retroactive to Aug. 27.
Cabrera (blister) has resumed a throwing program, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.
