Thursday’s abbreviated MLB slate features 6 matchups on May 28, 2026, with start times spanning from 1:10 PM ET to 8:05 PM ET.
I like a pair of teams playing in the evening on Thursday. Both teams are sending starting pitchers to the hill with ERAs of 3.00 or less.
Can 23-year-old Pirates righty Paul Skenes pitch well enough to earn his seventh win of the season on Thursday? Will Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti improve his record to 7-1 in a road matchup with the Rangers?
I'll make picks for both games below. Read on for our Thursday MLB Predictions May 28 article.
MLB Prediction Game 1
CUBS VS PIRATES DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH | |
|---|---|
| Where | PNC PARK, PITTSBURGH, PA |
| When | THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026, 6:40 PM ET |
| TV | MLB.TV |
CUBS VS PIRATES ODDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Run Line | Moneyline | Total | |
| CUBS | 1.5 (-160) | +140 | U 7.5 (-105) |
| PIRATES | -1.5 (+135) | -168 | O 7.5 (-115) |
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CUBS VS PIRATES WHO IS THE PUBLIC BETTING? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CUBS | 22% | 78% | PIRATES |
See the latest MLB Public Betting Splits and make smarter wagers!
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates May 28 MLB Prediction
The Pittsburgh Pirates are well-positioned to secure an outright victory against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night. They possess multiple key situational advantages over the North Siders.
The Pirates rebound well, holding a strong 16-9 straight up record after a loss this season. Fatigue rarely slows the team down, as they carry a resilient 26-22 straight up mark when playing on no rest in 2026. The Pirates also thrive against familiar foes, logging a 13-9 straight up record in division games in 2026. Furthermore, Pittsburgh excels in level-rest scenarios, boasting a 29-26 straight up record when facing an opponent on equal rest this year.
Paul Skenes anchors the pitching staff, guiding the Pirates to a 6-5 straight up record in his 11 starts this season. Expect a definitive Pittsburgh win as money line home favorites against a Cubs team that is 3-14 straight up in their last 17 games overall.
Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates -168
MLB Prediction Game 2
ASTROS VS RANGERS DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH | |
|---|---|
| Where | GLOBE LIFE FIELD, ARLINGTON, TX |
| When | THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026, 8:05 PM ET |
| TV | ESPN UNLIMITED |
ASTROS VS RANGERS ODDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Run Line | Moneyline | Total | |
| ASTROS | 1.5 (-170) | +126 | U 7.5 (-115) |
| RANGERS | -1.5 (+145) | -150 | O 7.5 (-105) |
ASTROS VS RANGERS WHO IS THE PUBLIC BETTING? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTROS | 30% | 70% | RANGERS |
Houston Astros at Texas Rangers May 28 MLB Prediction
The Houston Astros seem poised to earn an outright victory against the Texas Rangers on Thursday night. The road team should draw on their current momentum and pitching advantages.
Houston thrives in hostile environments, boasting an 11-10 straight up record playing as a road underdog this season. Additionally, the Astros dominate this matchup, holding a profitable 7-2 straight up mark in their last 9 games against the Rangers. Houston also brings excellent overall form into this contest, winning 6 of their last 8 games overall.
Spencer Arrighetti anchors the Astros' pitching staff, guiding Houston to a 6-1 straight up record in his 7 starts this season. What's more, Arrighetti stifles opposing hitters, carrying a 1.32 ERA over 41 innings of work this year. Expect a resounding Houston win in this AL West clash.
Pick: Houston Astros +126
Today's MLB Predictions
- Pittsburgh Pirates -168
- Houston Astros +126