Cubs vs. Rockies Prediction and Odds for Saturday, April 16 (Mark Leiter Jr. to Make Long-Awaited Return)

Tonight’s Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado Rockies game has a big storyline that I am interested to see play out. Cubs’ starting pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. will make his first start since the 2017 season after requiring Tommy John surgery in 2018. He spent last season in the minor leagues where he looked sharp, but I have my doubts about Leiter’s chance at success tonight. 

The Rockies at Coors Field is a tough game for any starter to deal with. Now factor in the last time he made an appearance in the MLB, and it's easy to see how things could get hairy in a hurry. The total for this game is currently set at 12.

Here are the odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Cubs vs. Rockies Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

• Cubs: +1.5 (-160)
• Rockies: -1.5 (+130)

Moneyline:

• Cubs: +112
• Rockies: -122

Total:

• Total 12 (Over -105/Under -115)

Cubs vs. Rockies Prediction and Pick

The Rockies are the seventh highest-scoring team in the MLB with an average of 4.71 runs per game. The Cubs are right behind them in the No. 8 spot with an average of 4.57 runs per game. So, if 12 seems high, it might be a conservative guess when you take all of these factors into account. 

Antonio Senzatela does give the Rockies a good shot to walk away with a win here. Just as long as he can do a better job of limiting his pitch count. In his first start against the Dodgers, Senzatela gave up just one earned run on nine hits. But, he only went 3 ⅓ innings and it took him 66 pitches to get that far. He also failed to strike out a single batter which does not bode well for his longevity in this start. 

I think that despite how high this total looks from the outside, there is a strong chance this game goes over anyway. 

Pick: OVER 12 (-105)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE