Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians: Odds, Analysis, MLB Betting Pick

For the first time since the 2016 World Series, the Chicago Cubs (10-9) will square off against the Cleveland Indians (12-8) on Tuesday as small road underdogs at the sportsbooks.

The Cubs rallied back from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Indians on the road two years ago for their first World Series title since 1908.

MLB betting line: The Indians opened as -141 favorites (wager $141 to win $100); the total is at 8.5 runs, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

MLB betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 4.8-3.6, Indians (MLB picks on every game)

Check out the OddsShark podcast on iTunes or at OddsShark.libsyn.com for more odds information, betting picks and a breakdown of this week's top sports betting news.

Why the Cubs can pay on the MLB lines

Chicago is finally starting to settle in and play better, winning three of its last four games after seeing three of four postponed due to bad weather.

The Cubs took two of three from the Colorado Rockies on the road over the weekend, and they have averaged 11 runs in their last three wins.

Tyler Chatwood (0-3, 4.60 ERA) will try to pick up his first victory of the year in his fourth start after battling some control problems early on.

Chatwood has walked 14 batters in his first three outings, including seven last time out in a 5-3 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The good news is he allowed only one hit to the Cardinals, so he should get better results if he can throw more strikes.

Why the Indians can pay on the MLB lines

Like Chicago, Cleveland got off to a slow start as well before going 9-3 in its last 12 games to move into first place in the American League Central.

The Indians saw two of their games against the Toronto Blue Jays postponed during that stretch, too, and they won their last three versus the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, Sunday and Monday to take that series.

Cleveland will send Josh Tomlin (0-2, 8.00) to the hill as a fifth starter here hoping he can rebound from a back issue that has limited his effectiveness.

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

Tomlin has made just two starts this season, giving up nine runs and 15 hits overall, including four home runs, with four walks and four strikeouts in nine innings of work.

Smart betting pick

The Cubs will be more well-rested in this spot, with the Indians traveling back from Baltimore after Monday's game.

Chicago will also have the better pitcher on the mound and has performed extremely well recently in interleague matchups.

The Cubs are 11-2 in their last 13 games against American League opponents, according to the OddsShark MLB Database, so look for them to win the series opener at Cleveland and take their fourth straight over the Indians dating back to the 2016 World Series.

MLB betting trends

Chicago is 4-2 in its last six games.

Cleveland is 2-4 in its last six games against Chicago.

The total has gone under in six of Cleveland's last nine games against Chicago.

All MLB odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.