MLB Baseball Odds: Cubs vs. Cardinals

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While the St. Louis Cardinals decide if outfielder Rick Ankiel is healthy enough to return, Chris Carpenter takes the mound for the first time in more than a month tonight against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium.

Carpenter was off to a strong start when he strained his left ribcage muscle while batting in his second start at Arizona on April 14, and was placed on the DL a day later.

He has allowed an unearned run and five hits while striking out nine and walking two in 10 innings this season.

The righthander is 7-3 with a 3.08 ERA in 14 career starts against Chicago. Carpenter is 2-1 with a 1.91 ERA in five home starts versus the Cubs.

Ryan Dempster will get the start for Chicago. He will be trying for a second straight victory after allowing two runs and three hits in seven innings of an 11-3 victory over San Diego on Thursday. Bet on MLB today.