Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates 9/23/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 09/22/2022 at 10:39 PM ET

The Friday MLB schedule will get underway with a matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates from PNC Park. The Cubs (65-85) have won three straight games and are faced with a rebuilding effort. Last night, SP Hayden Wesneski (2-1) allowed two runs over six plus frames to lead Chicago to a 3-2 road victory against Pittsburgh.

Rookie right-hander Javier Assad (1-2 3.86 ERA) will make his sixth career major league start for the Cubs. Control has been a major issue for Assad, who has walked 14 batters through 23 plus innings.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and are trapped in the NL Central Division basement.  During Thursday's home loss, Pittsburgh batters combined to go 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left ten men on base. OF Bryan Reynolds reached base five times and drove in a run for the Pirates, who fell to 55-95 on the season.

The Pirated will give the nod to twenty-four year old righty Bryse Wilson (3-9 6.07 ERA) on Friday. Last time out, Wilson gave up four runs in five plus innings during a 5-1 road loss against New York.

Chicago C Willson Contreras (ankle) worked out on the field prior to Thursday’s game and hopes to return by the end of the season. Through 150 games, Chicago ranks 17th in OPS and 23rd in runs scored. For the season, Pittsburgh ranks 28th in OPS and 28th in runs scored. Take the over. Final Score Prediction, Chicago Cubs win 6-5.

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