Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM EDT
TV: MLB.TV, TBS, NBCSP+, Marquee Sports Network
This NL interleague series continues with Game 2 after the Phillies exploded for a 13-7 rout in Monday’s opener, powered by Kyle Schwarber’s two homers and Cristopher Sánchez’s strong outing. Philadelphia looks to build momentum at home while the Cubs try to avoid dropping the series early in what has been a choppy start for both clubs. The Phillies sit at .500 with solid home form; Chicago is 3-4 on the road and searching for consistency.
Team Records & Recent Form
Cubs (7-9, 5th NL Central): Chicago has been inconsistent, splitting recent series and dropping Monday’s contest 13-7. They are 3-4 on the road this season with an offense that can flash power but has struggled against quality pitching lately. The Cubs average around 4.5 runs per game but have allowed 5+ in several recent outings, with a taxed bullpen.
Phillies (8-8, 3rd NL East): Philadelphia has shown signs of breaking out, winning convincingly on Monday to improve to 5-5 at home. They are roughly .500 overall but have looked dangerous offensively in high-scoring home games. The lineup ranks among the better units early in the year when clicking, and they have outscored opponents significantly in recent wins.
Weather Updates
Warm and favorable for hitters at Citizens Bank Park: temperatures around 82–85°F (high near 87°F) with low humidity (~37%), light southwest winds ~11 mph (potentially carrying fly balls), and only a ~15% chance of precipitation. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with no rain delays expected. Conditions lean neutral-to-hitter-friendly for an April evening, supporting a standard pace and potential for extra-base hits or home runs.
Injury Report
Chicago Cubs
Matthew Boyd (SP): Biceps strain – 15-day IL (out until at least Apr 18–20).
Hunter Harvey (RP): Triceps inflammation – 15-day IL.
Cade Horton (SP): Forearm/elbow (UCL damage) – Out for the season (surgery).
Phil Maton (RP): Knee tendinitis – 15-day IL.
Jordan Wicks (SP): Forearm/elbow issues – 15-day IL.
Shelby Miller (P): Elbow – 60-day IL.
Chicago’s rotation and bullpen depth are significantly stretched, forcing reliance on younger or depth arms.
Philadelphia Phillies
Jonathan Bowlan (RP): Groin strain – 15-day IL (placed Apr 13).
Max Lazar (RP): Oblique – 15-day IL.
Zack Wheeler (SP): Shoulder – 15-day IL (rehabbing).
Philadelphia is thin in the bullpen and missing rotation depth but has Aaron Nola available and a relatively stable lineup.
Key
Player Matchups to Watch / Probable Pitchers
Riley Martin (CHC, LHP, 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 3.1 IP) vs. Aaron Nola (PHI, RHP, 1-1, 3.63 ERA)
Martin makes an early-season start with a perfect (small-sample) ERA but limited innings and faces a veteran Phillies lineup that feasted on Cubs pitching Monday. Nola provides length and experience (19 K in 17.1 IP this year) and should exploit any command issues from the young lefty.
Phillies power (Kyle Schwarber, etc.) vs. Martin’s arsenal: Expect early aggression after Monday’s offensive explosion.
Cubs contact threats (Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson) vs. Nola’s command: Chicago must capitalize early before Nola settles.
Bullpens: Both taxed; Phillies have more margin given the starter edge and home bullpen advantage. Defense and baserunning favor the hosts.
Series History
Phillies lead the 2026 season series 1-0 after Monday’s 13-7 victory. The teams split no prior 2026 meetings. Historically, Philadelphia has owned recent head-to-head play (4-2 edge in 2025), and the current form/home advantage tilts heavily toward the Phillies in this early three-game set.
Betting Trends
Phillies strong as home favorites and coming off a blowout; Cubs 3-4 on the road and vulnerable against quality starters. Totals trend higher in Phillies home games with favorable weather.
Game Odds
Chicago Cubs 9.5
Philadelphia Phillies – 149
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026
