The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs open an intriguing interleague series Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. At the onset, the Cubs enter the baseball betting odds
matchup as one of the National League’s hottest teams. While the struggling Astros continue trying to climb back into contention in the American League.
Certainly, Chicago has been dominant at home for much of the season. They are fueled by strong offensive production, aggressive baserunning, and reliable starting pitching. While Houston still brings playoff-tested talent and dangerous middle-of-the-order power capable of changing a game quickly.
Also, the online betting matchup carries extra intrigue because of the contrasting styles. To show, the Cubs have leaned on depth, bullpen flexibility, and consistent situational hitting. While the Astros remain more dependent on star-level performances and timely home runs.
Houston Astros at Chicago Cubs MLB Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, May 22, 2026, 2:20 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Wrigley Field in Chicago. |
| TV Coverage: | Apple TV+ |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
The Houston Astros travel to face the Chicago Cubs on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Specifically, the first pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET. The game is expected to air nationally on Apple TV+
Probable Starting Pitchers and Bullpens
Houston is expected to start Spencer Arrighetti, who has emerged as one of the Astros’ top arms this season with a 5-1 record, a sparkling 1.50 ERA, 36.0 innings pitched, and a 1.19 WHIP entering Friday’s matchup. Late on, he was carrying a no-hitter into the eighth inning against Texas.
In comparison, Chicago is projected to counter with veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon, who enters with a 2-3 record, a 4.97 ERA across 50.2 innings, and a 1.20 WHIP. While trying to rebound from a rough outing against the White Sox, in which he surrendered five home runs.
The bullpen edge entering Friday’s matchup clearly favors the Chicago Cubs. Chicago’s relief corps has been one of the more dependable units in baseball this season, posting a 3.77 bullpen ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. While consistently protecting late leads and limiting traffic on the bases.
Meanwhile, Houston’s bullpen has struggled badly for much of the season with a 6.02 bullpen ERA and a 1.62 WHIP, among the weakest marks in MLB. While injuries to key relievers such as Josh Hader have further damaged the group’s depth and stability.
Houston Astros Team Overview
The Houston Astros enter the week with a disappointing 19-30 record, placing them near the bottom of the American League standings after years of sustained postseason success. Despite the losing record, Houston’s offense has remained productive in several key categories, batting .250 as a team with a .327 on-base percentage and .411 slugging percentage while ranking among the league leaders in doubles and home runs.
The Astros’ biggest MLB odds problem has been pitching, especially in run prevention. To illuminate, Houston owns a 5.45 team ERA, one of the worst marks in Major League Baseball. While bullpen inconsistency and injuries have repeatedly hurt the club late in games.
Chicago Cubs Team Overview
The Chicago Cubs have emerged as one of the National League’s strongest teams in 2026. Specifically, they are 29-19 and sitting near the top of the NL Central. Chicago owns a balanced roster, strong home-field play, and one of the league’s deeper pitching staffs.
Offensively, the Cubs have been one of the better all-around lineups in baseball, hitting .259 as a team with a .335 on-base percentage and a .434 slugging percentage. While ranking among the National League leaders in runs scored and doubles.
Most important of all, the pitching staff has been a major reason for Chicago’s rise. The Cubs own a team ERA under 4.00 and have received quality innings from both the rotation and bullpen.
SBG Free Picks
The best side bet is the Chicago Cubs moneyline because Chicago has major advantages in overall team form, bullpen reliability, home-field performance, and lineup depth. Also, they are an outstanding 18-6 at Wrigley Field.
Finally, the best total wager is over the number. Houston games have consistently trended toward high scoring. Due to the Astros’ explosive offense, combined with disastrous bullpen numbers.
SBG Best Bet: Chicago Cubs and Over the Total.