Cubs vs. Astros: Game 2 prediction, odds, injuries, and picks

Kyle Tucker's return to Houston was spoiled as the Astros held the star slugger hit=less in four at-bats in the opening game of the three-game series. The hosts outclassed the visiting Cubs in a 7-4 win on Friday night that pushed their win-streak to five.

The 'Stros are looking to build off their momentum in Game 2 as they pin their hopes on the returning Lance McCullers Jr. The oft-injured starter is coming off a foot sprain that kept him out since June 10. Meanwhile, Colin Rea has been selected to start the game for the Cubs as they seek to disrupt Houston's win streak.

Cubs vs. Astros recent form and records

The Cubs currently hold the lead in the National League Central with a 48-34 record. However, their recent form has been concerning as they've won just three of their last nine matches.

Houston, on the other hand, are surging to the top of the American League standings. After a slow start that saw them meddle in the middle of the AL West charts, the 'Stros have won 18 out of their 24 games this month that has comfortably catapulted them to the top of their division.

Cubs vs. Astros odds

Money Line: CHC (+104), HOU (-114)

Run Spread: CHC -1.5 (+160), HOU +1.5 (-195)

Total Runs: O 8.5 (-107), U 8.5 (-109)

Cubs vs. Astros injuries

CHC injury report

Miguel Amaya (C): 10-day IL (oblique)
Javier Assad (SP): 60-day IL (oblique)
Eli Morgan (RP): 60-day IL (elbow)
Justin Steele (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)

HOU injury report

Ronel Blanco (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
Jacob Melton (CF): 10-day IL (ankle)
Cristian Javier (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
J.P. France (SP): 60-day IL (shoulder)
Pedro Leon (RF): 10-day IL (knee)
Luis Garcia (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
Zach Dezenzo (LF): 10-day IL (hand)
Taylor Trammell (LF): 10-day IL (calf)
Yordan Alvarez (LF): 10-day IL (hand)
Chas McCormick (LF): 10-day IL (oblique)
Spencer Arrighetti (SP): 15-day IL (thumb)
Hayden Wesneski (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
Shawn Dubin (RP): 15-day IL (forearm)

Cubs vs. Astros projected lineup

CHC projected lineup

Ian Happ (LF)
Kyle Tucker (RF)
Seiya Suzuki (DH)
Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF)
Dansby Swanson (SS)
Carson Kelly (C)
Michael Busch (1B)
Nico Hoerner (2B)
Matt Shaw (3B)
Colin Rea (SP, 4-3 | 4.42 ERA | 54 K)

HOU projected lineup

Jeremy Pena (SS)
Isaac Paredes (3B)
Jose Altuve (LF)
Yainer Diaz (DH)
Cam Smith (RF)
Christian Walker (1B)
Victor Caratini (C)
Jake Meyers (CF)
Mauricio Dubon (2B)
Lance McCullers Jr. (SP, 1-2 | 4.91 ERA | 39 K)

Cubs vs. Astros picks and game prediction

Both squads are expected to deliver a handful of runs as they are in the top of the table when it comes to offensive prowess. However, with the momentum that the Astros are currently in, they should take this game and series in Game 2.

Run Line: HOU +1.5 (-195)

Total Runs: O 8.5 (-107)

Prediction: HOU wins, 8-7

About the author

Daniel Santiago is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. He was drawn towards the sport after the underlying statistics and the analysis surrounding it grabbed his attention.

Daniel particularly enjoys furnishing reports about historic events in baseball and analyzing the game through a statistic-based outlook, based on Fangraphs and Baseball-Reference. This is in line with how he enjoyed watching baseball as a pastime. As a writer, he is very particular about cross-checking from reputable sources and doing his due diligence.

He became a lifelong Hideki Matsui fan after his exploits in the 2009 World Series for the New York Yankees. Among the current generation, Daniel's favorites include Shohei Ohtani and Jung Hoo Lee. Daniel is a huge follower of Asian baseball and both Ohtani and Lee have been in the top echelon of their respective leagues during their time with the NPB and KBO.

His favorite moment as a baseball fan was the final at-bat of the 2023 World Baseball Classic between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. He believes there aren't many words to fittingly describe the intensity of the moment.

As an avid sports fan, Daniel watches other sports and Esports when not writing about baseball.

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Edited by Daniel Santiago

Cubs vs. Astros: Game 2 prediction, odds, injuries, and picks - June 28, 2025