MLB picks and expert predictions: Chicago Cubs to make light work of gentle Giants at Wrigley on Sunday

Our expert MLB handicapper John Lepore looks ahead to Sunday night's clash between the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs in Sunday's live game and believes the home side have more to offer than the visitors...

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The San Francisco Giants are hanging on for dear life in the hopes of a Wild Card spot. They are 7.5 games out of the playoffs heading into Tuesday night and the outlook seems grim. They get the Chicago Cubs who have been better since the All-Star break, going 21-21. As with many teams out of the race, the Cubs have a few players looking to make an impression and take advantage of their opportunities.

It looks like the Giants may go with John Brebbia. Alex Wood has gone on the IL and Brebbia has pitched well out of the bullpen while making three starts also. His starts were as an opener, and he isn’t expected to last long. San Francisco will rely on their bullpen. That doesn’t bode well for the Giants as their relievers have a 4.22 ERA and a 1.392 WHIP.

Wade Miley should be taking the hill for the Cubbies. The veteran has been pretty good since joining Chicago albeit in five starts. He was just reinstated from the IL and threw four innings on Tuesday striking out six. He is out there the rest of the season to prove he is healthy and can still compete at a major league level. Turning 36 in November, Miley will be looking to get another contract before calling it quits.

Giants player to watch: Evan Longoria

We are watching a player wind down to the end of his career. He was the face of the Tampa Bay Rays for a long time and is working on his fifth, and likely final year as a Giant. Longoria will be 37 next month and will be trying to finish out the season with a bang. The veteran third baseman has 25 home runs and 76 RBIs in his last 152 games with San Francisco while playing a solid defensively at the hot corner. We could very well be watching a future Hall of Famer.

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Cubs player to watch: Ian Happ

Despite having the same amount of Plate Appearances as last season (535), Happ has hit 10 fewer home runs. That hasn’t taken away from his overall numbers though. He is slashing .277/.350/.455 this year as opposed to .226/.323/.434 in 2021. He is also settling in more as a left fielder and has improved defensively. Happ will be a free agent after next season and is having his best season. Watch out for an end-of-the-season run.

MLB quick picks: Sunday, September 11

- Red Sox if the line is +110 or better (@ Orioles)

- Mets @ Marlins Under if the line is 7.5 or better

- Diamondbacks @ Rockies Over if the line is 9.5 or better