Diamondbacks vs Cubs MLB Game Preview, Predictions for 3/23

© Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Diamondbacks vs Cubs: MLB Game Preview for March 23, 2023

The Arizona Diamondbacks will take on the Chicago Cubs in a highly anticipated MLB matchup on March 23, 2023. With the MLB season in full swing, this game is one to watch for both Diamondbacks and Cubs fans alike. Baseball experts and MLB picks computers have already started making predictions and giving their expert insights on who they think will win this game. MLB picks and parlays, MLB predictions for today, and the best MLB bets today are some of the popular keywords related to this game. Both teams will be looking for a win, and it will be interesting to see which team will come out on top. In this game preview, we will take a closer look at both teams' stats, current roster, and recent form to predict who will have the upper hand in this matchup.

Diamondbacks: Pitching Analysis

The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a mixed bag of results with their pitching staff so far this season. Expert MLB picks and computer MLB picks have been split on their predictions for the team's performance, leaving fans unsure of what to expect. The Diamondbacks' starting rotation has struggled to find consistency, with only one starter having an ERA below 4.00. Zac Gallen has been the lone bright spot for the team, posting a 3.21 ERA and striking out 10.3 batters per nine innings. Merrill Kelly and Madison Bumgarner, who were expected to be reliable options for the team, have struggled with ERAs of 7.71 and 11.37, respectively. On the other hand, the bullpen has been a strength for the Diamondbacks. Closer Mark Melancon has been perfect in save opportunities so far this season, and setup man Tyler Clippard has yet to allow a run in his 9 innings pitched. However, the rest of the bullpen has been inconsistent, with multiple pitchers sporting ERAs above 5.00. Overall, the Diamondbacks' pitching staff has struggled to keep the team in games, leading to a .500 record through their first 24 games. MLB picks and parlays, as well as MLB predictions for today, will be closely monitoring the team's performance to determine if they can turn things around and become a contender in their division.

Diamondbacks: Hitting Analysis

When it comes to MLB picks and predictions, experts and computers alike have mixed opinions on the Arizona Diamondbacks' hitting abilities. As of March 23, 2023, the team has a .230 batting average – ranking them 26th in the league – but they do have some standout players. Kyle Lewis, right fielder for the Diamondbacks, currently has 2 home runs and a .500 batting average, making him a formidable opponent for any pitcher. Additionally, Brett Johnson in left field and Jacob Wetzel in center field have batting averages of .667 and 1.000, respectively. But hitting is not just about individual stats, it's also about teamwork and strategy. The Diamondbacks have been averaging 4.33 runs per game, and while that may not be the highest in the league, it shows that they are capable of producing runs. Their RBIs per game stand at 4.06, indicating that they have been successful in bringing their runners home. Overall, while the Diamondbacks may not have the strongest batting lineup, they have shown flashes of potential and could surprise their opponents with their teamwork and strategy. MLB picks and parlay bets should take this into account when analyzing their matchups.

Cubs: Pitching Analysis

The Chicago Cubs have had a solid start in the 2023 MLB season, currently holding a 12-10 record. While their offense has struggled slightly, it's their pitching that has carried them through. MLB pick experts, MLB picks computer, and other MLB picks and predictions agree that the Cubs' success has been largely due to their starting rotation. Led by Kyle Hendricks, the staff has a combined 3.49 ERA, which ranks ninth in the league. Hendricks himself has been even more impressive, boasting a 2.86 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP through his first five starts. His control has been exceptional, with just four walks and 29 strikeouts in 28.1 innings pitched. Marcus Stroman has also been a standout, with a 2.87 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in his five starts. He's been especially effective at inducing ground balls, with a 63.2% ground ball rate. Jameson Taillon, who was acquired in the offseason, has been solid but unspectacular, with a 3.68 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. However, he's been working his way back from injury and has shown flashes of the potential that made him a top prospect for years. The bullpen has also been a strength for the Cubs, with several relievers putting up impressive numbers. Brad Boxberger has been nearly untouchable thus far, posting a 0.96 ERA in 9.1 innings pitched. Rowan Wick and Drew Smyly have also been reliable options out of the pen. Overall, the Cubs' pitching staff is shaping up to be a major strength for them this season. While the offense may need to step up, the arms on the mound should be able to keep them in the mix in a competitive NL Central.

Cubs: Hitting Analysis

As the Cubs approach the 2023 MLB season, experts and computer models alike are making predictions on how they will perform. MLB picks and predictions from today's experts and MLB picks and parlays from computer models all point to the Cubs having a solid hitting lineup. Kyle Lewis and Yan Gomes lead the team in home runs and RBIs, respectively, and will be key players for the Cubs' offense. Brett Johnson and Jacob Wetzel have also been impressive in their limited playing time, boasting high batting averages and on-base percentages. But it's not just the individual players that make the Cubs' hitting lineup strong. The team as a whole ranks in the top half of the MLB in runs scored, total bases, and slugging percentage. When it comes to making bets on the Cubs, experts recommend taking advantage of their hitting prowess. The best MLB bets for today are often focused on the Cubs' ability to score runs and hit for power. MLB picks with spread and MLB picks odds all point to the Cubs being a solid bet when it comes to their offense. Overall, the Cubs' hitting lineup is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the MLB. If they can continue to perform as expected, they could be a serious contender in the upcoming season.

Injury Report

Injuries are a common occurrence in any sport, and baseball is no exception. As the MLB season begins, teams have reported several injuries that could affect their performance early on. The Arizona Diamondbacks have reported that catcher Carson Kelly is out as of March 21, while the Chicago Cubs have shortstop Ed Howard listed as day-to-day since March 22. Injuries can significantly impact a team's performance, especially if they occur to key players. MLB picks experts, MLB picks computer algorithms and MLB picks em prediction models take these injuries into account when making their MLB today experts picks or MLB picks and parlay predictions. MLB expert picks today or the best MLB bets today may change depending on the injury reports. MLB picks with spread or MLB predictions today may slightly change betting odds as well. It is essential to stay updated on the injury reports for each team to make informed decisions on MLB bets or MLB picks and parlays. The MLB picks odds may also shift based on the status of injured players. Monitoring injury reports is crucial for any MLB bettor or analyst, and it is highly recommended to keep an eye on any potential injuries that may impact the outcome of games.

Prediction: MLB Picks and Parlay Experts for Today

After analyzing the statistics and current rosters of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs, it is predicted that the Arizona Diamondbacks will win today's game. While the Cubs have a slightly better defense, the Diamondbacks have a stronger offense and a solid pitching rotation. It is important for MLB picks experts to not always choose the favorite team, as there are often upsets in baseball that can occur. However, after careful consideration and analysis, the Diamondbacks are the best bet for today's game. For those looking to make a parlay bet, consider pairing the Diamondbacks with another strong team to increase the potential payout. Always remember to bet responsibly and within your means.

Pick: Diamondbacks