Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs, Picks and Prediction, Saturday, May 2, 2026
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Arizona (16-14) will be trying to avoid their second consecutive series loss when they visit Wrigley Field on Saturday afternoon to face Chicago (19-12) in the second game of their three-game series at 2:20 PM. ET. Read on to find out which team picks up the win in this Diamondbacks vs. Cubs prediction. Need a hot take on the MLB Season? Check out our Free MLB Picks and cash in.
Ryne Nelson, 1-2, 7.71 ERA, will get the start for the Diamondbacks. The Cubs will counter with Shota Imanaga, 2-2, 3.15 ERA.
Arizona and Chicago split their last 10 meetings.
**This preview was written before Friday’s game was played.**
Diamondbacks Trying To End Slump
The Diamondbacks struggled over the past week and entered this series with six losses in their last nine contests. They will try to end their slump and pick up the series win when they face the Cubs.
Arizona averages 4.70 runs per game, which is 11th in the league. Their .250 batting average is ninth in the league. Their .308 on base percentage is 27th, while their .418 slugging percentage is sixth.
Ildemaro Vargas has been the most consistent batter for the Diamondbacks. He leads the team with a .378 batting average, six home runs, and 20 RBI.
Arizona is giving up 5.50 runs per game, which is 28th in the league. Opponents have a .259 batting average against the Diamondbacks, which is 23rd in the league. Their 4.99 ERA is 28th, while their 1.39 WHIP is 20th.
In his last start, Nelson gave up seven hits and six runs in five innings, leading to a 12-7 win over San Diego. He is 2-0 with a 5.88 ERA in five games against Chicago. 
Cubs Going For Second Consecutive Series Win
The Cubs bounced back from their series loss to the Dodgers with a series win over the Padres. They will try to keep the momentum going and pick up their second straight series win when they play on Saturday.
Chicago averages 5.45 runs per game, which is third in the league. Their .261 batting average is fourth in the league. Their .353 on base percentage leads the league, while their .427 slugging percentage is fourth.
Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs with a .291 batting average and 26 RBI, while Ian Happ leads the team with seven home runs.
Chicago is giving up 4.32 runs per game, which is 10th in the league. Opponents have a .229 batting average against the Cubs, which is eighth in the league. Their 4.01 ERA is 12th, while their 1.19 WHIP is fourth.
In his last start, Imanaga gave up six hits and five runs in 5.1 innings, leading to a 6-0 loss to the Dodgers. He is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two games against the Diamondbacks.
Diamondbacks vs. Cubs Picks
Money Line Pick for Diamondbacks vs. Cubs
- Chicago Cubs ML (4 Units)
The Cubs have the edge in this game because they’re playing well offensively, scoring at least five runs in three of their last four games. They’ve been very successful against right-handers, and they’re facing Nelson, who has struggled so far this season and has given up 16 runs in his last three starts. He gave up nine runs in his last three road starts, and with Arizona having one of the worst bullpens in the league, they will have a hard time slowing down the Cubs.
Arizona will have a hard time keeping up offensively because they’re not playing well offensively, scoring only nine runs in their last three games. Things won’t get easier for them in this game because Imanaga has done a good job on the mound for the Cubs, especially at home, where he gave up one run in his last two starts. With Chicago’s bullpen also playing well, expect them to keep Arizona’s offense in check. Take Chicago on the money line.
Over/Under Pick for Diamondbacks vs. Cubs
- Over (4 Units)
The Diamondbacks average 4.70 runs per game. They’re batting .292 against left-handers, and they’re facing a starter who gave up seven runs in his last three starts. The Cubs average 5.50 runs per game. They’re batting .248 against right-handers, and they’re facing a starter who gave up 18 runs in his last three starts. Expect these teams to score enough runs to push the score over the total.
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