Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
First Pitch: 2:20 PM ET
Broadcast: MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network, Bally Sports Arizona
Game Overview
The Arizona Diamondbacks (12-7) travel to Wrigley Field to face the Chicago Cubs (12-9) in a pivotal early-season matchup. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, with Arizona riding a five-game winning streak and Chicago boasting one of the most potent offenses in the league.
This game marks the first meeting between these teams since their season-opening series, where they split four games in Phoenix. The Cubs have since surged to first place in the NL Central, while the Diamondbacks remain competitive in the NL West.
Projected Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Diamondbacks | Corbin Burnes (RHP) | 0-1 | 5.28 | 1.57 | 17 |
| Chicago Cubs | Colin Rea (RHP) | 0-0 | 1.00 | 1.33 | 9 |
Corbin Burnes (Diamondbacks)
Burnes, a former Cy Young winner, has struggled early in the season, posting a 5.28 ERA over 15.1 innings. He has a career 3.36 ERA against the Cubs, but his recent form raises concerns. Burnes will need to limit walks and keep the ball down against a Cubs lineup that leads MLB in runs scored (124) and stolen bases (29).
Colin Rea (Cubs)
Rea has been solid in limited action, allowing just one run over 3.2 innings in his first start against the Dodgers. With Justin Steele out for the season, Rea is expected to take on a larger role in Chicago’s rotation. His 6.91 career ERA against Arizona suggests potential struggles, but his recent form has been encouraging.
Key Players to Watch
Arizona Diamondbacks
- Corbin Carroll (OF): Leads the team with six home runs and 17 RBIs. His speed and power make him a game-changer.
- Geraldo Perdomo (SS): Batting .254 with three home runs and 18 RBIs, providing steady production.
- Zac Gallen (SP): Scheduled to pitch Saturday, looking to bounce back from a 1-2 record and 4.64 ERA.
Chicago Cubs
- Kyle Tucker (OF): Red-hot with five home runs and 19 RBIs, leading the Cubs’ offense.
- Carson Kelly (C): Batting .407 with four home runs, providing unexpected power from the catcher position.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (OF): Leads MLB with seven stolen bases, adding speed to Chicago’s attack.
Game Strategy & Key Factors
Arizona Diamondbacks
- Burnes must regain control: His high WHIP (1.57) suggests command issues.
- Limit Cubs’ running game: Chicago leads MLB in stolen bases (29), so Arizona’s pitchers must be quick to the plate.
- Capitalize on Rea’s inexperience: Arizona’s hitters should be aggressive early against a pitcher still adjusting to a starting role.
Chicago Cubs
- Exploit Burnes’ struggles: The Cubs’ high-scoring offense must pressure Burnes early.
- Bullpen depth: Chicago’s relievers have been solid, but they’ll need to support Rea if he struggles.
- Home-field advantage: Wrigley Field’s unpredictable conditions could play a role, especially with the wind affecting fly balls.
Arizona Diamondbacks – 112
Chicago Cubs 11.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 17, 2025
