Reds vs. Cardinals Prediction and Odds for Sunday, July 17 (Steven Matz Impossible to Trust)
By Peter Dewey
The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals face off in their final game before the All-Star break on Sunday, with an interesting pitching matchup on tap.
Steven Matz (3-3, 6.03 ERA) makes his return from a lengthy stint on the injured list, making his first start since May 22 for the Cards. Matz was a major offseason signing, but hasn't lived up to expectations through the first month of the season.
The Reds send youngster Graham Ashcraft (4-2, 4.45 ERA) to the bump; holding his own in his last start against the New York Yankees in five innings of three-run ball.
Here are the odds for this game via WynnBET Sportsbook:
Reds vs. Cardinals Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line:
- Reds +1.5 (-140)
- Cardinals -1.5 (+115)
Moneyline:
- Reds: +152
- Cardinals: -165
Total:
- 8.5 (Over -105/Under -115)
Reds vs. Cardinals Prediction and Pick
The Cardinals offense is struggling a bit as of late, ranking 19th in OPS and 20th in runs scored over the last 15 days. The Cards will also likely be without Nolan Arenado, who is dealing with a lower back injury heading into the All-Star break.
Matz had not been impressive prior to landing on the IL, tossing more than six innings just one time in nine starts through the first two months of the season.
Ashcraft, who has gotten knocked around a bit after a hot start to the season, has posted three outings in his last four with three or fewer runs allowed. That could spell trouble for this St. Louis offense that is laboring into the Midsummer Classic.
I’m not a believer in the Reds to win this game, as they simply are a bad team overall (hence their record), but I do think they can keep this game close.
Lean: Reds +1.5 (-140)
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.