Brewers Will Smack Down Steele And Cubs

Cubs vs. Brewers, 4:10 ET

Happy Memorial Day to all readers. Today marks a day that has become more synonymous with drinking and grilling (at least the weekend) than the original intention. I'm all for a good time, but make sure to take a minute after you flip the burger or pop of the cap of the next beer to think about those who have died to give us opportunities like this. I get that this country has a lot of divide and problems, but think of where we would be without those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I hope their families feel how much love and support we have for them every day, but especially today. Let's turn our attention to the game between the Cubs and Brewers. 

You'll hear about this a lot during the series, but this is a matchup between the top two teams in the NL Central. If we are being honest, I kind of expect this to be the exact ending to the standings this season. The Cubs currently sit three-and-a-half games behind the Brewers for first place. Comparing the two teams offseasons, and their expectations, the Cubs entered the year with more moves during the offseason, and more expectations of improvement. So far, the Cubs have weathered the storm of injuries to the club with Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki, and Justin Steele all spending some time on the injured list, among others. Perhaps they should be proud of being above .500 with those issues. But, the reality is that they are just a game over and now have the entire team back - at least those names mentioned are back. They've certainly struggled over the past two weeks, going just 3-9 over the past 12 games, including four straight losses coming into today's game. Today they turn to the aforementioned Steele to take the ball against the Brewers in as big of a four-game series as you will get in May. Steele has struggled quite a bit since returning from the injured list. He has allowed 15 earned runs over 16 innings and surrendered six homers in that stretch. My concern is that there is something still bothering him, and he is just trying to pitch through it. Brewers hitters have been good against him, hitting .301 over 73 at-bats. 

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (35) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Brewers will host their former manager for the first time since he departed for the Cubs. I'm sure Craig Counsell won't get a great ovation, but he should be recognized for helping to keep the Brewers relevant over the past few years. The club doesn't really seem to be missing him as they sit with a 30-22 record despite losing him and their former Ace, Corbin Burnes. The Brewers offense has been very strong this season hitting .255 collectively and among the top teams in runs scored at 258. They are doing it in a variety of ways - stringing together hits, homers, small ball - you name it, they are capable of production. This would be a nice opportunity for them to put some distance between themselves and the Cubs, especially now that the Cardinals look like they've figured out how to play baseball and are hot on the Cubs' tails for second place. Today they combat Steele with Robert Gasser. The youngster has only made three starts for the Brewers, but they have been pretty good ones. His most recent start does give you a bit of pause, but it was his first ever road start, so maybe he gets a bit of a pass. In his only road outing, he allowed 10 hits and four earned runs to the Marlins. His other two starts both came at home and also were against NL Central opponents. In those games he allowed a total of eight hits and one earned run over 11 innings. This will be all Cub hitters first time seeing him. 

The Brewers are probably going to win this game. The Cubs are playing poorly right now, Steele isn't in good form, and Gasser has looked good at home. I don't personally like betting against the Cubs, but I like making money. The right play for today's contest is to take the Brewers. I am seeing -115 for the first five innings and -122 for the full game. I prefer the first five innings here, but couldn't talk you off of playing either or both. 

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