Yankees vs. Cubs: Game 3 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 8, MLB 2024

On Sunday, the New York Yankees will seek to complete the series sweep against the Chicago Cubs. After coming into the series as one of baseball's hottest teams, the Cubs have been stymied so far and have failed to score a run.

After a 3-0 win on Friday, the Yankees scored two runs by virtue of an RBI groundout and a throwing error to win Saturday's affair 2-0. Though far from the most exciting game of the season, the win was enough to propel the Yankees back into the top spot in the AL East.

Yankees vs Cubs recent form and records

Before the series with New York, Chicago was putting up some of the best hitting numbers in MLB with 41 runs in their previous six games. However, on account of their two straight losses to the Yankees, Chicago's 72-70 record puts it six games back of the New York Mets, who lay claim to the NL's third and final Wild Card spot.

For the Yankees, there are reasons to be optimistic. After tough series losses to the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals, the team's pitching staff has gone 18 innings without surrendering a run. With a 4-6 record in their last 10, the Yankees are now 82-60, half a game up on the O's for the lead in the AL East.

Cubs vs Yankees players to watch

Starting Pitchers

NYY: Gerrit Cole (6-3, 3.65 ERA) vs CHC: Jameson Taillon (9-8, 3.66 ERA)

Cole has a 1.290 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 78 K in 69 IP.

Last Start: Win, 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K vs TX

Career vs NYY: 11-3 2.61 ERA (103.1 IP, 30 ER) 4 HR in 16 Games

Taillon has a 1.69 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 107 K in 140.1 IP.

Last Start: ND, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K vs PIT

Career vs NYY: 1-0 2.70 ERA (13.1 IP, 4 ER) 1 HR in 2 Games

Must Watch Hitters

Yankees

After encountering struggle earlier this season, second baseman Gleyber Torres is coming into his own. A .375 hitter over the last fortnight, the Venezuelan now has four RBIs in his past six games.

Aaron Judge's last home run came on August 25 against the Colorado Rockies. Although the captain's slump has dimmed his prospects of once again setting a single-season home run record, Judge is a career .313 hitter against the Cubs.

Shortstop Anthony Volpe has quietly registered 14 hits in his last 49 at-bats, and touts seven RBIs in his past 13 games. Although he has been quiet enough this series, the-23 year-old is poised to make a difference on Sunday.

Cubs

Shortstop Dansby Swanson has been his club's best hitter recently. A .435 hitter over the past week, Swanson has hit two home runs and five RBIs in his last six games. Moreover, the former Silver Slugger has a 1.263 OPS in his last 23 at-bats.

"Dansby Swanson goes deep for the 2nd straight night and it's a 5-run inning for the @Cubs" - MLB

Young outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a lot of Cubs fans excited. In his past 13 games, the former first round pick has connected for two home runs and 12 RBIs.

Seiya Suzuki already boasts a home run and two RBIs in four career games against the Yankees. Over the past two weeks, the Japanese outfielder has walked 10 times, more than any other player on his team.

Yankees vs Cubs baseball betting odds

Sunday 8/9	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
New York Yankees	- 160	-1.5 +100	O 9 -105
Chicago Cubs	+ 135	+1.5 -120	U 9 -115

Yankees vs Cubs expert picks and game prediction

Even after being shutout in two straight games, the Cubs' 98 runs scored over the past two weeks leads MLB in that span of time. The team also ranks second in batting average and OPS over that span of time.

So far, the Yankees have been lucky this series. Although some of their big bats have gone quiet, manager Aaron Boone's club has found a way to win. On Sunday, Gerrit Cole, who has an impeccable career record against the Cubs, will make the start on his 34th birthday.

"When someone arrives at your party but they've ""forgotten"" to bring a gift Happy Birthday to reigning Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole!" - MLB Europe

For whatever reason, it looks like the Yankees have the Cubs number. Now, with their ace set to start, it will take a very valiant effort indeed from Chicago if they want to save themselves from a series sweep.

Run Line: -1.5 +100

Total Runs: U 9 -115

Prediction: Yankees W, 6-2