Last Updated on September 15, 2025 8:13 am by admin
A classic NL Central clash under the lights at PNC Park headlines Monday’s MLB betting board: Cubs vs. Pirates. With playoff positioning in play, the market is weighing Chicago’s road form against Pittsburgh’s home edge. Below, get Cubs vs. Pirates odds, run line and total picks, public betting splits, starting pitchers, injuries, weather, and how to watch.
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Date, Time & TV
- Date/Time: Monday, September 15, 2025 — 6:40 PM ET
- Location: PNC Park — Pittsburgh, PA
- TV/Streaming: Regional broadcasts; out-of-market on MLB.TV
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Odds
- Run Line: Cubs +1.5 (−160) | Pirates −1.5 (+135)
- Moneyline: Cubs +135 | Pirates −160
- Total: 8.0 (Over −110 / Under −110)
Odds move throughout the day; re-check before first pitch.
Probable Starting Pitchers
- CHC: RHP Jameson Taillon — veteran righty with a steady fastball/slider mix; success hinges on first-pitch strikes and limiting free passes.
- PIT: RHP Braxton Ashcraft — young power right-hander; when the slider is working off the heater, he can generate soft contact and strikeouts.
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Standings
- Cubs: 75–71 overall (37–37 away)
- Pirates: 79–68 overall (40–32 home)
Injuries & Lineup Notes
- Cubs: Adbert Alzolay remains out; monitor pregame for any late lineup rest spots.
- Pirates: Ke’Bryan Hayes day-to-day; bullpen workload was elevated over the weekend.
TheSpread Scouting Report
- Cubs outlook: Taillon’s efficiency is the key; when he’s ahead, Chicago’s defense and pen can hold leads or keep it within a run.
- Pirates outlook: Ashcraft’s swing-and-miss profile plays at home; limiting deep counts keeps Pittsburgh in leverage matchups late.
- Matchup key: Chicago needs disciplined at-bats to elevate Ashcraft’s pitch count; Pittsburgh will hunt early-count mistakes from Taillon.
Recent Meeting Recap
The clubs last met in early August, with Chicago taking a tight series at Wrigley. Overall, Pittsburgh has claimed four of the last six in the head-to-head.
Weather — Game Day Snapshot (Pittsburgh, PA)
Comfortable September evening in the low 70s with light winds and a minimal rain threat — neutral conditions for pitchers and hitters.
Public Betting & Live Market
The latest splits lean heavily to the road side:
- Cubs: 72% of bets
- Pirates: 28% of bets
See live updates: MLB Public Betting Chart — TheSpread.com
Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends
- Cubs Trends: Solid run-line profile in tight, low-scoring road games; totals skew higher when the pen is stretched.
- Pirates Trends: Strong at PNC with improved late-inning run prevention; moneyline results jump when the starter works into the sixth.
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Expert Picks
- Run Line Pick: Cubs +1.5 (−160)
Rationale: Taillon’s experience and Chicago’s approach vs. righties set up another one-run script. - Total Pick: Over 8.0 (−110)
Rationale: Familiar divisional looks plus bullpen usage can unlock late scoring to tip this over.
Final Thoughts on Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Expect a chess match between two right-handers with different strengths: Taillon’s command vs. Ashcraft’s power. The Cubs +1.5 offers a solid cushion in a game likely decided late, while the Over 8.0 is live if pitch counts climb and middle relief enters early. Ready to wager? Bet on Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates now.