Lars Nootbaar Player Props: Cardinals vs Cubs 8/4

Photo Credit: © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Game Summary

The St. Louis Cardinals (57-54) will face off against the Chicago Cubs (54-59) at Wrigley Field this Sunday at 7:10 PM EDT. This matchup marks the 13th meeting between the two teams this season, with the Cardinals holding a slight edge in the series, winning 7 of the 12 previous encounters. The Cubs lead the current series 2-1 after a recent victory over the Cardinals. The Cubs have been solid at home, sporting a 29-26 record, while the Cardinals struggle a bit away from home with a 28-29 record.

In their recent performances, the Cubs have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, posting a .237 batting average and a 4.55 ERA. Conversely, the Cardinals have gone 4-6 in their last 10, with a .257 batting average and a higher 5.31 ERA, indicating some struggles on the pitching side. The Cubs have done well defensively, showcasing a strong record (24-15) in games where they did not allow a home run. On the other hand, the Cardinals have shown that they can score, boasting a 35-10 record when scoring at least five runs.

Both teams have been affected by injuries. The Cubs have several players on the injured list, including Tomas Nido and Ian Happ, while the Cardinals are missing Mike Siani and Lance Lynn. The pitching matchup features Miles Mikolas for the Cardinals with an 8-8 record and a 4.99 ERA, going up against Justin Steele, who has a 2-5 record with a solid 3.38 ERA. The game is set to be competitive, with both teams looking to improve their standings.

Player Prop Odds

- Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+450), Under -800
- Batter Hits: Over 0.5 (-145), Under +105
- Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+245), Under -360
- Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+155), Under -215
- Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (+120), Under -165
- Batter Total Bases: Over 0.5 (-145), Under +105

Player Analysis

Lars Nootbaar has emerged as a key player for the St. Louis Cardinals this season. His on-base skills and versatility in the outfield make him a valuable asset to the lineup. Nootbaar has a batting average of .232 with 7 home runs and 23 RBIs. His ability to draw walks (29 on the season) showcases his patience at the plate, making him a candidate for getting on base and potentially scoring runs. In his last 10 games, Nootbaar’s performance has been steady, showing flashes of power but also some struggles, which is typical for a young player.

His recent form, including a notable .279 batting average over his last 30 at-bats, indicates he is finding his rhythm at the plate. This makes betting on him to get at least one hit a reasonable prospect, particularly against a pitcher like Steele, who, while effective, can be prone to giving up hits. Additionally, Nootbaar's speed on the bases can contribute to his chances of scoring if he reaches base.

Opposing Analysis

The Chicago Cubs' pitching staff, led by Justin Steele, has been relatively effective this season, with a team ERA of 4.06, ranking in the middle of the pack in the league. Steele's ability to limit walks (1.10 WHIP) and strikeouts (98 strikeouts) makes him a tough matchup for hitters. However, he has shown vulnerability, particularly against left-handed hitters, which is relevant for Nootbaar.

The Cubs have a strong outfield defense, but if Steele struggles to find the zone, expect Nootbaar to capitalize on any mistakes. The Cubs have allowed a decent number of hits, and Nootbaar has a chance to take advantage, especially if he can get on base early.

Pitching Probables

Team Previews

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals rank 18th in runs scored this season with 472, and they hold a batting average of .233, which places them near the bottom of the league. Their pitching has been more solid, with a collective ERA of 3.78, ranking 8th in the MLB. The team has relied heavily on their offensive stars like Nolan Gorman and Paul Goldschmidt, but it’s critical for role players like Nootbaar to step up and provide assistance.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have struggled offensively with only 466 runs scored, ranking 22nd in the league, despite a higher batting average of .246. Their strength lies in their pitching, specifically in their bullpen, which has a league-leading save count of 38. They have shown resilience at home, but consistency remains an issue, particularly when facing teams with potent offenses like the Cardinals.

Team Injuries

Recent Games

Prediction