Arizona Diamondbacks vs Chicago Cubs Insights, 5/1/2026 MLB Choices, Top Options & Odds

Home » Arizona Diamondbacks vs Chicago Cubs Insights, 5/1/2026 MLB Choices, Top Options & Odds

  • Matchup: Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks
  • Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
  • Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
  • Broadcast: Marquee Network
  • Betting Odds: Arizona (+125), Chicago (-145)

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This Friday, the Chicago Cubs (19-12) will host the Arizona Diamondbacks (16-13) at Wrigley Field. In terms of betting lines, Arizona stands at +125 while Chicago opens at -145. The over/under total is set at 8 runs. Projected starting pitchers for the game are Zac Gallen and Colin Rea.

MLB predictions for Ildemaro Vargas and the Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently averaging 4.8 runs per game, ranking 8th in the league with a total of 140 runs. Their on-base percentage stands at .310, complemented by 54 doubles and 31 home runs. Overall, the team has amassed 134 RBIs and 244 hits this season, leading to a batting average of .252. With a slugging percentage of .425, the Diamondbacks have struck out 227 times while drawing 79 walks.

Arizona’s pitching staff features a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.25 and a collective WHIP of 1.36. They have given up 38 home runs and 152 total runs (24th in MLB). This season, the team has allowed 253 hits (about 8.9 per 9 innings) and 135 earned runs, leading to a 4.72 earned run average, ranked 26th in the league. The pitching staff has recorded 216 strikeouts, walked 96 batters, and holds a FIP of 4.58.

The Diamondbacks have utilized 105 relief pitchers this season. Their bullpen has allowed 28.9% of inherited runners to score, earning 25 holds (leading the MLB). They have faced runners on base 27 times in high-pressure scenarios and have converted 9 out of 15 save opportunities, achieving a save rate of 60.0% across 41 save situations.

Defensively, the Diamondbacks have recorded 772 putouts, 262 assists, and 16 errors, leading to a fielding percentage of .985 (20th in MLB). They have successfully turned 18 double plays and converted 70.1% of balls in play into outs across 2,316 innings, ranking them 15th in professional baseball.

Zac Gallen has pitched a total of 1,035 innings in his career, recording 1,077 strikeouts. He holds a career win-loss record of 67-53, with a FIP of 3.52 and an earned run average of 3.57, having allowed 411 earned runs and maintained a WHIP of 1.165, while giving up 875 hits (7.6 hits per 9 innings) and walking 331 batters.

The Chicago Cubs boast an on-base percentage of .353 and a team batting average of .261. They have struck out 257 times (14th in the league) and accumulated 279 hits, including 42 home runs and 154 RBIs. The Cubs have a team slugging percentage of .427 and average 5.45 runs per game (3rd in the league), with 46 doubles and 141 walks.

On the mound, the Cubs have allowed 134 runs this season, holding a team ERA of 4.01 (123 earned runs). They have given up 36 home runs, allowing 4.37 runs per 9 innings (10th in MLB). The pitching staff’s WHIP is 1.188, alongside a FIP of 4.13. Their strikeout-to-walk ratio stands at 8.20 (251 strikeouts vs. 94 walks), placing them 9th in total hits allowed with 234.

This season, the Cubs have achieved 6 holds and recorded 11 save opportunities, converting 6 saves. Their bullpen pitchers have allowed 31.8% of inherited runners to cross home plate and have been called upon 29 times in high-leverage situations. Presently, they rank 23rd in save percentage at 54.5%, having used 91 relief pitchers.

Defensively, the Cubs have executed 21 double plays and hold a fielding percentage of .986 (16th in MLB). This year, they have accumulated 272 assists, committed 16 errors, and posted 828 putouts. After 2,484 innings of play, they maintain a defensive efficiency of 72.3% (4th in MLB).

Colin Rea, with a career record of 40-28, has an earned run average of 4.42, surrendering 8.7 hits per nine innings. His K/BB ratio is at 2.71, having faced 2,683 batters throughout his time in the majors, giving up a total of 311 earned runs. With a WHIP of 1.270 and a FIP of 4.4, Rea has allowed 613 hits while notching 517 strikeouts in 633 innings.

Who will come out on top in tonight’s exciting MLB matchup?

Prediction: Bet on Arizona (+125)

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Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks (+125)
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