The Chicago Cubs (6-4) and San Diego Padres (7-1) continue their three-game series on Saturday, April 5. First pitch from Wrigley Field is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET; the game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and MLB.TV.
Padres vs Cubs odds have the Cubs as -120 moneyline favorites and the Padres as +100 underdogs. The over/under is 7 total runs (+100o / -120u). The Padres are -220 to cover the run line (+1.5) and the Cubs are +180 to cover the spread.
Find my Padres vs Cubs prediction and moneyline pick for Saturday below.
Padres vs Cubs Predictions
- Padres vs Cubs pick: Padres Moneyline (+100; play to -110)
My Padres vs Cubs best bet is on the Padres to win outright. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Padres vs Cubs Odds, Lines, Prediction
| San Diego Padres Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -220 | 7 +100o / -120u | +100 |
| Chicago Cubs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +180 | 7 +100o / -120u | -120 |
- Padres vs Cubs Moneyline: Padres +100, Cubs -120
- Padres vs Cubs Run Line: Padres +1.5 (-220), Cubs -1.5 (+180)
- Padres vs Cubs Over/Under: 7 (+100o/ -120u)
- Padres vs Cubs Prediction: Padres Moneyline
Padres vs Cubs Preview, Predictions Saturday
Padres Betting Preview: Trust Nick Pivetta
I was a bit surprised to see Nick Pivetta look that crisp after signing fairly late in the offseason. The righty churned out seven innings with one hit (and faced the minimum) with four strikeouts. He looked in total control, but Pivetta tends to be streaky. Sometimes, he looks like one of the best pitchers in the game and others when he gets shelled. He's always flashed plenty of upside, though.
In the past, Pivetta struggled with both walk and home run issues. Last year, his BB/9 dropped to a career-best 2.22 per nine, while his HR/9 leaped to 1.73. After allowing no home runs or walks in his Padres debut, he'll look to build upon it. I think he will. Of course, allowing some walks and homers is inevitable, but Pivetta is dominant when locating his pitches well.
I'm willing to chalk up the Padres' offensive struggles Friday to the frigid weather and Shota Imanaga twirling a gem. It was a rare off performance for San Diego's bats, as it boasts a 131 wRC+ — one of the top marks in MLB.
The trio of Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill might be the best trio in the league. Tatis dealt with injuries the past few years, but he looks fully healthy and he's an MVP candidate when at 100%. He has a 200 wRC+ with just a 3% strikeout rate atop the Padres lineup.
Cubs Betting Preview: Shaky Pitching After Boyd
Facing Pivetta is another free agent signee, Boyd, who pitched five scoreless innings in his season debut against the Diamondbacks. Despite posting zeroes, Boyd faced a lot of traffic, allowing seven base runners. Boyd has never been a huge stuff pitcher, more so looking to catch hitters off guard with his sharp breaking ball and low-to-mid 90s fastball. He had a 100 Stuff+ in his first start with the Cubs, and his career high for a full season is 99.
The Cubs offense is among the best in MLB. They boast an impressive 128 wRC+, led by star outfielder Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki, both of whom have four home runs. They have just a 20% K rate and a strong 11% walk rate, so Chicago has a strong feel for the strike zone.
I also don't have faith in the Cubs bullpen. New closer Ryan Pressly looks past his prime, posting an 8.60 FIP so far. The most trustworthy bullpen arm is Porter Hodge, who is one of two Cubs reliever who hasn't surrendered an earned run.
Boyd might give five or six strong innings, but filling the final 12 outs could be a big problem. Compare that to the Padres, who have a lockdown closer in Robert Suarez and multiple reliable set-up options to bridge to the closer.
Padres vs Cubs Prediction, Moneyline Betting Analysis
With cold weather and strong winds, this game figures to be another rock fight in Chicago. In a game that'll likely be low scoring, I trust Pivetta and the Padres bullpen more than Boyd and the Cubs pen. The lineups are pretty close to even — maybe I'd even give the edge to San Diego, so +105 ML odds feels like a great bet.
Pick: Padres ML (play to -110)
Moneyline
I like the Padres on the moneyline in this matchup.
Run Line (Spread)
While I'm betting San Diego on the moneyline, I have no play on the run line.
Over/Under
I also do not have a play on the total – although I expect this to be a low-scoring game.
Padres vs Cubs Betting Trends
Padres Betting Trends
- Padres are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread
- The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Padres' last 5 games
Cubs Betting Trends
- Cubs are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread
- The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Cubs' last 5 games
- The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Cubs' 3 last games at home
