On a Wednesday night matchup, the Chicago Cubs face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The Cubs, with a record of 18-12, won the previous game decisively, scoring 9 runs and securing a shutout. Matthew Boyd is set to start for Chicago, boasting a respectable 2.54 ERA, while the Pirates will rely on Carmen Mlodzinski, whose performance has been less stellar at 6.96 ERA. Recent trends suggest that betting on the Cubs could yield a 128% ROI on the moneyline, especially given their strong performance in away games this season.

The betting odds reflect the Cubs as favorites (-171), while the Pirates loom at +143. With a total set at 8.0 runs, experts suggest taking the over, as the Cubs have consistently surpassed this figure in recent matchups against Pittsburgh. The Pirates, having struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, will need a strong showing from their bullpen, which has faced heavy usage due to their starter’s early exit in the last game.

The upcoming MLB slate features nine games kicking off at 6:35 p.m. ET. Pitching options are limited, leading to a key decision regarding Nathan Eovaldi ($9,200), who faces a competent Athletics lineup. While Eovaldi presents a safe floor, there are more favorable alternatives. Drew Rasmussen's ($8,800) high strikeout rate against the Royals is appealing, and Cristopher Sanchez ($8,200) offers potential despite recent forearm issues. Matthew Boyd ($8,400) faces the strikeout-prone Pirates, making him an intriguing choice. For value, consider Tobias Myers ($7,200) against the White Sox.

Key hitters include Ryan O'Hearn ($4,300) who stands out in the Orioles' batting order, alongside Jarren Duran ($5,200) and Alex Bregman ($5,000) who could shine against a weak Toronto pitching staff. Willson Contreras ($3,300) is another name to watch, as he could leverage a favorable environment at Great American Ballpark. The Yankees and Cubs are both stack-worthy with their respective matchups against Cade Povich and Carmen Mlodzinski.

This week’s focus on starting pitchers reveals several intriguing trends among some rising stars in Major League Baseball. Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds appears to be finally living up to his potential, showcasing significant improvements with a 2.25 ERA and a notable increase in the use of his changeup. Matthew Liberatore from the St. Louis Cardinals has similarly made strides, utilizing a revised changeup and cutter to bolster his performance. Ben Casparius of the Los Angeles Dodgers could see an expanded role as a starter, leaning on a new cutter that has improved his effectiveness. Finally, Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates has altered his attack strategy, relying less on his slider and more on his curveball.

As the 2025 Minor League Baseball season progresses, several prospects are stepping up, making them potential waiver wire targets for savvy fantasy managers. Marcelo Mayer of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .280 with 7 home runs and 34 RBIs in Triple-A, showcasing his power and defensive skills. Meanwhile, Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers continues to shine as a pitcher, boasting a 1.82 ERA with an impressive strikeout rate, making him one to watch for an MLB debut soon.

Francisco Acuña, formerly of the Pirates and now with the San Diego Padres, is also making a name for himself with 5 home runs and a .293 average in Double-A, showing great promise after a strong week. Hunter Barco, another key pitcher for the Pirates, has yet to allow a run this season in Double-A, demonstrating his elite strikeout ability. Lastly, Leo De Vries of the Padres is turning heads with his cycle performance in High-A, indicating his potential as a five-tool player.

Shota Imanaga's outing for the Chicago Cubs was cut short due to cramps in both legs, occurring after a pivotal play in the sixth inning. Although Imanaga had been cruising with a solid performance, allowing no runs through five-plus innings, his velocity noticeably dropped, prompting manager Craig Counsell and head trainer Nick Frangella to assess him. The Cubs' pitching depth is already under pressure with the absence of Justin Steele, making Imanaga's health crucial for the team's rotation.