3% Chi Cubs (2:20 ET): These are two teams trending in very different directions as of late. The Yankees are only a half-game off the pace in the American League East (and have the 2nd best run differential in baseball), but have lost six of eight, all against - what I would term “subpar” competition (Nationals, Cardinals, Rangers). Long-term, the Pinstripes are just 30-38 over their last 68 games. Meanwhile, not sure there’s a hotter team in all of MLB right now than the Cubs. They’ve won 13 of 18 to climb right back into Wild Card contention in the National League. The offense is surging with 10+ runs scored in 5 of their last 10 wins. 

That includes the last one (12-0 over the Pirates) where Shota Imanaga and two relievers combined for the 18th no-hitter in franchise history. Right now, this Cubs’ rotation is in a state of flux with an injury to Justin Steele. Originally, it was to be Javier Assad starting Friday, but instead it will be Jordan Wicks. This will be Wicks second time starting since returning from the IL. It’s an ideal matchup because (as my Morning Wager colleague Mark Zinno always likes to point out) the Yankees don’t hit southpaws well. They are 24th in batting average and that number drops to .239 on the road. Behind Wicks is a bullpen that has been baseball’s best since July 1st (2.95 ERA). 

Luis Gil will be starting for the Yankees here. It’s his 1st start back from injury, which I typically find to be a good spot to fade a pitcher. (Though Wicks went five innings and allowed just one run on four hits in a 14-1 win in his return). Gil has been struggling with his command all season and you’d have to go back to before the All Star Break to find the last time he went longer than 5 ⅓ innings. That’s a problem when you consider the Yanks’ bullpen has a 4.17 ERA since 7/1 and Aaron Boone doesn’t know who his closer is as Clay Holmes now leads MLB in blown saves (11). Love Cub Pride as dogs in this Friday matinee. 3% Chi Cubs (Play to +100)