MLB Predictions, 9/2/2020 Cardinals vs. Reds – Oviedo vs. Mahle

Cardinals vs. Reds 9/2 Prediction

After an utter smack-down of their NL Central rivals on Tuesday night, the Cardinals will look to make it three in a row of the Reds on Wednesday when the foes meet again at 6:40 p.m. ET. Is St. Louis an excellent underdog play for bettors?

Game Snapshot

Who: Cardinals (14-13) at Reds (15-21)

When: 6:40 p.m. ET, Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Where: Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati, OH

Odds: Cardinals (+125) at Reds (-145); O/U 10

Public Betting: Check out our MLB Public Betting Chart Page

St. Louis Cardinals DFS Spin

Brad Miller recorded a career-high seven RBI in the Cardinals' 16-2 rout of the Reds on Tuesday. Miller hit a two-run double in the top of the first inning, a two-run homer in the top of the second, an RBI single in the top of the fifth, and another two-run homer in the top of the eighth, ultimately finishing the night 4-for-6 with three runs scored to go along with the seven runs batted in. The 30-year-old is now batting .317/.450/.619 with four home runs and 18 RBI in 20 total games this season. He's been a great find for the Cardinals, who should continue to use him as their primary DH down the stretch.

Cincinnati Reds DFS Spin

Reds manager David Bell expects to keep Raisel Iglesias in the closer role. The Reds acquired Archie Bradley from the Diamondbacks on Monday, but Bell said Tuesday that he doesn't "see anything changing" in regard to the ninth inning. While Iglesias' 5.59 ERA doesn't show it, he's been very good over the past month. Bradley can be dropped in most mixed fantasy leagues, but he would be next in line if Iglesias hits a rough patch.

Cardinals vs. Reds Betting Prediction

This St. Louis offense is streaky, with more downs than ups. That said, the Cardinals are hot right now and tonight’s pitching matchup of Johan Oviedo versus Tyler Mahle is a wash. Thus, I’d rather back the hotter offense and grab plus odds on the money line with the underdog, than lay -145 on a Cincinnati offense that is streaky as well.

Oviedo gave up two runs over five innings in a loss to the Pirates last Thursday and is taking Daniel Ponce de Leon’s spot in the rotation after the latter was optioned out last Friday. Ovideo owns a 3.60 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in his two major league starts this season and while he doesn’t rack up a ton of strikeouts, he’s shown a knack early in his career for limiting the damage.

Meanwhile, Mahle struck out 11 batters while allowing just two runs over 6 2/3 innings in a win last Friday over the Cubs. That said, he lasted just three innings against this same St. Louis lineup in his prior start, surrendering three runs on five hits with a pair of walks. He’ll get some strikeouts, but I’ll take a flier on the underdog Cards tonight and bet Mahle doesn’t post back-to-back dominant starts.

WEDNESDAY MLB PREDICTION: ST. LOUIS CARDINALS +125