Game Summary

The Chicago Cubs are set to host the New York Yankees at Wrigley Field this Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 2:20 p.m. EDT. The Yankees enter this game with an impressive overall record of 82-60, leading the AL East, while the Cubs sit at 72-70, currently in second place in the NL Central.

The Yankees are looking to complete a three-game sweep against the Cubs after winning the first two games of the series. Recent performances show the Cubs going 6-4 in their last ten games, with a .259 batting average and a 3.80 ERA. Conversely, the Yankees are struggling a bit, going 4-6 with a .249 batting average and a 5.02 ERA over the same span.

Historical matchups between these two teams have favored the Yankees lately, and their current form suggests they are in a better position to take this game. The Yankees have a solid road record of 45-29, while the Cubs are 37-33 at home.

Key players to watch include Aaron Judge for the Yankees, who leads the team with a .321 batting average and has hit 51 home runs this season. On the Cubs’ side, Nico Hoerner has been a consistent performer with 30 doubles and five home runs.

The pitching matchup features Gerrit Cole for the Yankees with a 6-3 record and a 3.65 ERA, against Jameson Taillon from the Cubs, who has a record of 9-8 with a 3.66 ERA. This matchup could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the current player prop odds for Isaac Paredes:

• Batter Hits: Over 0.5 (-165)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+165)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+100)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (+110)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+165)

Player Analysis

Isaac Paredes has been a solid contributor for the Tampa Bay Rays this season. He boasts a batting average of .274, with 23 home runs and 81 RBIs. His ability to get on base and drive in runs makes him a key player to consider for prop bets.

Paredes’ statistics show that he excels at hitting against right-handed pitchers, which is significant considering the Yankees' starting pitcher, Gerrit Cole, is right-handed. Over the last month, Paredes has maintained a strong on-base percentage, showcasing his ability to get hits in crucial situations.

His recent form has included consistent contact, making the "Over" on hits and total bases props particularly appealing. With the Yankees' bullpen being somewhat vulnerable, Paredes may find opportunities to capitalize.

Opposing Analysis

The Yankees’ pitching staff has been effective this season, with Gerrit Cole leading the charge. However, Cole can be hit if batters are patient and look for their pitch. The Cubs' lineup has shown resilience against right-handed pitchers, making it a potential challenge for Cole.

Specifically, the Cubs have a collective .393 slugging percentage, ranking 10th in the National League. This statistic indicates that they can generate power against solid pitchers, and Isaac Paredes could be one of the players to exploit any mistakes Cole makes.

Prop Analysis

The player props for Isaac Paredes present intriguing opportunities. The "Over 0.5 Hits" at -165 is a strong option given Paredes' consistency. He has been finding ways to get on base regularly and has multiple hits in recent games.

The "Over 0.5 RBIs" at +165 could also be worth considering, especially if he’s positioned in the lineup to drive in runs. The Yankees have been known to give up runs, particularly late in games, making this prop appealing.

Lastly, the "Over 1.5 Total Bases" at +165 aligns with his recent hitting form, and the possibility of extra-base hits enhances the value of this bet.

Starting Pitching Summary - Yankees

Gerrit Cole takes the mound for the Yankees with a 3.65 ERA and 78 strikeouts over 69 innings. He's known for his strikeout potential but can also give up home runs, which is a consideration for hitters like Paredes. In his last few outings, he has shown some vulnerability, which could bode well for the Cubs.

Starting Pitching Summary - Cubs

Jameson Taillon, the Cubs' starting pitcher, has a 3.66 ERA and has been effective in limiting runs. However, he can struggle against powerful hitters, and with the Yankees lineup, he may find himself in difficult situations. His performance will be crucial in determining how well the Cubs can contain the Yankees' offense.

Bullpen Summary - Yankees

The Yankees' bullpen has been a mixed bag this season. While they have solid arms, they have also shown signs of fatigue, particularly in high-leverage situations. If the game is close, Paredes may have opportunities to score or drive in runs against the relievers.

Bullpen Summary - Cubs

The Cubs' bullpen has been a strength, but they are also dealing with injuries. This could impact their effectiveness late in the game, especially if they have to rely on less experienced pitchers. Paredes may see favorable matchups against these pitchers if the game extends into the late innings.

Team Previews

The New York Yankees have had a solid season, with a batting average of .239 and ranking 13th overall in runs scored. Their pitching is also one of the better units in the league, with a 3.76 ERA. The Yankees have been particularly strong on the road.

The Chicago Cubs, on the other hand, boast a batting average of .251 and rank 2nd in runs scored with 719. Their pitching has held up well, with a 3.83 ERA. The Cubs will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage and avoid a sweep against the Yankees.

Team Injuries

Here’s a look at the injuries affecting both teams:

Recent Games

Here’s how each team has performed in their last five games: