The Boston Red Sox made an unexpected decision on Jarren Duran before Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs.

The Boston Red Sox need to acquire controllable starting pitching at the trade deadline. A deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates could give them that.

Wilyer Abreu homered twice and drove in three runs, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago Cubs 6-1 on Sunday to avoid a series sweep. Alex Bregman also connected as Boston rallied after managing just one run in its first two games after the All-Star break.

The Under is 2-0-1 in the last 3 matchups between the Red Sox and Cubs. Boston has been trending low, with the Under hitting in 5 of its last 6 games. Chicago has also leaned Under, going 6-1-1 in its last 8 contests. With Crochet on the mound, the Under has cashed in 4 of his last 6 starts. Stick with the trend.

It's far-fetched and the world would no longer end, but this weekend's three-game series in Chicago could be the start of something big.

BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs lead 1-0 in a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox. Chicago is 31-16 at home and 58-39 overall. The Cubs have a 44-7 record in games when they out-hit their opponents.

THE BUSCH LEAGUE: Michael Busch, last 23 games since June 20: .361/.418/.711 (30-for-83) with two doubles, nine home runs, 21 RBI and 17 runs scored. NOT DOUBLED UP: The Cubs this season have grounded in to just 39 double plays in 97 games, the fewest in the major leagues. In fact, the Cubs’ 39 GIDPs are 12 fewer than second-place Milwaukee (51).

Get the best Red Sox vs. Cubs predictions ahead of Friday's matchup at Wrigley Field. Free MLB picks for July 18, 2025, featuring a Kyle Tucker player prop.

Chicago Cubs rookie Cade Horton Horton left Sunday’s game in the sixth inning with a 1-0 lead, but the Cubs lost 6-1. It was Horton’s fourth no-decision of the season.

Seiya Suzuki hit a three-run homer, and the Chicago Cubs stopped Boston's 10-game win streak with a 4-1 victory over the Red Sox.