Since June 2, the Chicago Cubs played 13 games in four cities. Though they went only 7-6, they expanded their lead in the NL Central.

With a focus on strengthening their starting rotation and bullpen, the Chicago Cubs are preparing for the MLB trade deadline. That need is unsurprising, as injuries have depleted the starting rotation that is without Justin Steele due to season-ending surgery on his left elbow.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates (29-42) visit the Chicago Cubs (42-28) Saturday for the third game of their 4-game series. First pitch from Wrigley Field is at 2:20 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Pirates vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Chicago Cubs are on top of the NL Central with a depleted rotation. The quiet consistency of Matthew Boyd is a major reason for their success. Boyd has pitched at least six innings and allowed three earned runs or fewer in 10 of his 14 starts with his new team.

Jameson Taillon is a Chicago Cubs veteran as this point, in the midst of his ninth Major League season and his third with the Cubs.

Pirates first. Oneil Cruz singles to right field. Bryan Reynolds lines out to shortstop to Dansby Swanson. Nick Gonzales singles to shallow left field. Oneil Cruz to second. Spencer Horwitz

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The Chicago Cubs have looked like one of the best teams in baseball, firing on all cylinders. Cubs pitchers rank No. 10 in baseball with a 3.69 ERA and the offense is ranked No. 2 in MLB with a 117 wRC+ (all stats through 60 games.