Mlodzinski vs. Imanaga in Pirates–Cubs Opener at Wrigley

Overview

• The three-game series starts at Wrigley Field, with first pitch Friday at 2:20 p.m. ET on Marquee Sports Network and SportsNet Pittsburgh, and MLB.TV on Fubo subject to regional blackouts.
• Probable starters are right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski for Pittsburgh and left-hander Shota Imanaga for Chicago, both carrying early-season ERAs around four.
• Pittsburgh enters at 7-5 and Chicago at 6-6, with the Pirates owning a .338 team on-base percentage that ranks sixth in MLB.
• Injury lists for both clubs include several pitchers, and the AP lists Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki on the 10-day injured list with a knee issue as some betting coverage speculates he could debut.
• Betting projections give the edge to the Cubs at roughly -138 to -140 on the moneyline, with an over/under posted around 6.5 runs.