Philadelphia Phillies vs Chicago Cubs Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 4/15/26, 3:24 PM  by Bill Christy | Modified on 4/17/26 at 8:08 AM in MLB Picks

The Phillies (8-9) had a chance to win the series last night after they took game one, but they were let down by their mediocre bullpen once again. The Cubs (8-9) trailed early but were able to tie the game in the 5th before Aaron Nola was pulled. Tim Mayza came in for the Phillies and allowed 4 runs while recording just 1 out in the 6th. Tanner Banks allowed another 3 runs in the 9th, and that sealed the deal for the Cubs to pick up the win. In the win, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, and Carson Kelly all contributed with 3 RBIs apiece.

For this rubber match of the 3-game set, Chicago will send Shota Imanaga to the mound. After a rocky start in his season debut against the Nationals, where he allowed 4 runs, Imanaga has looked tough in his last 2 starts. Against Cleveland and Pittsburgh, he has thrown a combined 11 innings and allowed just 1 run while striking out 13.

For the Phillies, they will counter with Jesus Luzardo, who has been bad more than he has been good through his 3 starts. He was rocked by the Rangers in the opener and looked to settle in against the Rockies, but was knocked around by Arizona in his last start. Against Arizona, he allowed 5 earned runs and did not finish the 5th inning. He has been strong at picking up strikeouts, but that has been about the only consistent part of his work to this point.

Inconsistency on the mound and the plate has been an issue for Philly through this early part of the season. That does not bode well for them here in the rubber match against the Cubs.