First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET
Coverage: MLB.TV, Marquee Sports Network (CHC) / NBC Sports Philadelphia (PHI); radio on 670 The Score (CHC) and 94 WIP (PHI)
Venue & Game Context
The slumping Philadelphia Phillies visit the streaking Chicago Cubs in the middle game of a three-game series at historic Wrigley Field. Chicago has won six straight games and sits near the top of the NL Central, while Philadelphia has dropped six in a row and languishes near the bottom of the NL East. The Cubs took the series opener Monday night 5-1, extending their win streak and handing the Phillies their latest defeat.
Weather Update
Game-time conditions call for partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 70°F, a low 16% chance of precipitation, and winds of 10 mph blowing out to left-center field. The breeze should slightly boost fly-ball distance and favor home runs, but no rain delays are expected in otherwise ideal early-season baseball weather.
Probable Pitchers & Player Matchups
Philadelphia Phillies: LHP Jesús Luzardo (1-3, 7.94 ERA, 1.46 WHIP)
Luzardo’s surface numbers look rough after allowing 20 earned runs in 22.2 innings, but advanced metrics (xERA ~3.58-3.59, strong strikeout rate) suggest bad luck and tough sequencing. He’ll face a Cubs lineup that’s been red-hot, led by power threats like Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, and Dansby Swanson (who homered Monday). Philadelphia’s offense, which ranks low in runs scored, must find a way to generate traffic against one of the game’s better lefties.
Chicago Cubs: LHP Shota Imanaga (1-1, 2.45 ERA, 0.77 WHIP)
Imanaga has been dominant early, posting elite walk rates and strikeout numbers while limiting hard contact. He’ll oppose a Phillies lineup missing key pieces and mired in a prolonged slump. Chicago’s top-of-the-order speed and contact (Crow-Armstrong, Happ) plus power should test Luzardo’s command. Imanaga’s home dominance and Philadelphia’s recent offensive woes give the Cubs a clear edge on the mound.
Key Matchups to Watch:
Phillies power (Schwarber, Harper if active) vs. Imanaga’s low-ERA control.
Cubs lineup vs. Luzardo’s elevated ERA and recent struggles.
Bullpen depth: Chicago’s relief corps is taxed by injuries but riding momentum; Philadelphia’s is similarly thin.
Injury Report
Philadelphia Phillies (multiple absences):
C J.T. Realmuto (back spasms/tightness) – day-to-day, missed Monday.
SP Zack Wheeler (thoracic outlet/shoulder surgery recovery) – on IL, rehabbing.
RP Max Lazar (left oblique strain) – 15-day IL.
RP Zach Pop (right calf strain) – 15-day IL.
RP Jhoan Duran (left oblique) – 15-day IL.
SP Jonathan Bowlan (right groin strain) – 15-day IL.
Additional depth pieces (Aidan Miller – back soreness) keep the Phillies short-handed in the rotation and bullpen.
Chicago Cubs (pitching-heavy):
SP Cade Horton (elbow/UCL) – out for 2026 season (60-day IL).
SP Matthew Boyd (biceps strain) – 15-day IL, rehabbing.
SP Jordan Wicks (elbow inflammation) – 15-day IL.
RP Daniel Palencia (left oblique) – 15-day IL.
RP Hunter Harvey (right triceps inflammation) – 15-day IL.
RP Ethan Roberts (finger) – 15-day IL.
The Cubs are thin in starting pitching depth but have managed to stay hot despite the injuries.
Team Records & Recent Form
Phillies (8-14): 4th in NL East. They are 3-4 on the road and have lost 10 of their last 12 games overall. Offense has been inconsistent (low runs per game), and the pitching staff has been inconsistent behind a depleted rotation. Monday’s loss was their sixth straight.
Cubs (13-9): 2nd/5th in NL Central (tight race). Strong at home (8-5) and have won 6 straight, including Monday’s victory. Recent form is excellent, with timely hitting and solid starting pitching carrying them through injuries.
Series History
The Cubs hold a slight all-time edge (roughly 52% win rate over 2,300+ meetings), and Philadelphia is 7-3 in its last 10 road games vs. Chicago historically. However, Chicago has dominated the most recent series, including taking the opener Monday. The clubs split or traded series advantages in 2025, but current momentum heavily favors the Cubs.
Betting Trends
Phillies games have gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 (and many recent low-scoring outputs).
Cubs are 9-7 as favorites this season and have hit the over in several recent high-momentum games.
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 road games and 0-6 in current skid.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Phillies 8.5
Chicago Cubs – 122
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 20, 2026
