The Cubs open up a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds and Monday’s lineup features both Patrick Wisdom and Edwin Ríos, pushing Nick Madrigal back to the bench after he started the last two games at third base against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Wisdom is coming off a two-homer game, both solo shots in Sunday’s 9-5 series finale loss against the Brewers. Wisdom will be the starting third baseman, while Ríos is the designated hitter, moving Trey Mancini to right field against right-handed pitcher Connor Overton.

Overton, 29, doesn’t have much MLB experience let alone a lot of history against the Cubs. The Reds right-hander has thrown a total of 48.1 innings since 2021 in the majors. Last year, Overton pitched in six games and made four starts for Cincinnati and had good results, posting a 2.73 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 33 innings.

However, Overton’s numbers certainly didn’t look dominant against hitters, only striking out 14 and walking 11. He mostly throws a four-seam fastball and sinker, both in the 90-92mph range, while mixing in a few other breaking pitches. He did make one appearance against the Cubs in 2022, coming at the end of the season in clean-up duty. Overton allowed two hits and a walk, striking out three in 5.1 scoreless innings.

But again, only a few players in that game from 2022 combined for a handful of at-bats against Overton that are in the lineup today. Overall, Wisdom, Happ, Tucker Barnhart and Nico Hoerner each have two career at-bats against Overton. Yan Gomes, who is not starting today, also has a pair of at-bats against him.

Meanwhile, lefty Drew Smyly makes his season debut for the Cubs. Hopefully he got most of the home runs and hard-hit balls out of the way down in Arizona. The Reds lineup also doesn’t feature many hitters who have faced Smyly a lot in their careers, with Kevin Newman, Jonathan India and Tyler Stephenson combing for 31 at-bats against the veteran lefty.

Wil Myers, who is batting third and starting at first base, does have a home run in seven at-bats against Smyly.

Bets to Make

Using FanDuel’s odds.

Ian Happ owns the Cincinnati Reds in his career and he’s put up big numbers at the Great American Ballpark. In 43 games at the GABP, Happ has slashed .313/.411/.729, with 16 home runs, 10 doubles and a triple.

Bet to make: Ian Happ to record 2+ total bases AND record an RBI (PARLAY +184)

While not as dominant in Cincinnati as Happ, Dansby Swanson has a career .899 OPS in 77 plate appearances at the GABP and he’s off to a great start this season, going 7-for-12, recording at least one hit in each game against some tough Brewers pitching. Again, Overton doesn’t seem to have overpowering stuff and Swanson can feast on a fastball mistake.

Bet to make: Dansby Swanson to record 2+ hits (+190)