San Diego Padres vs
Chicago CubsPredictions & Preview

Padres vs Cubs: San Diego Looks to Rebound Against Chicago After Friday's Setback

The San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs are scheduled to face off once again on Saturday following Chicago's 3-1 victory over San Diego on Friday. Nick Pivetta will be on the mound for the Padres, while Matthew Boyd will start for the Cubs. Chicago is the favorite according to betting odds, opening at -120 and currently sitting at -122. Stay tuned for our Cubs vs Padres prediction and more MLB free picks.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Padres +104 | Cubs -122
• Spread: Padres +1.5 (-215) | Cubs -1.5 (+176)
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 55%.

San Diego vs Chicago Stats

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres have had a dominant start to the season, boasting a 7-1 record and leading MLB with a stellar pitching staff. Their team ERA of 1.65 ranks first in the league, and their WHIP is third. Nick Pivetta will be pitching on Saturday after an impressive performance against the Braves. While Pivetta's career numbers may not suggest ace status, he has been performing well in 2025. Offensively, the Padres have been solid, ranking 11th in runs per game, 16th in home runs, and second in stolen bases. Key players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Jake Merrill, and Gavin Sheets have been leading the charge at the plate. Overall, with a power ranking of 3, San Diego is ranked 8th in offense, first in defense, and currently holds a 7-1 record for the season.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

The Chicago Cubs enter Saturday's game with a record of 6-4 and a strong offensive performance, ranking fourth in runs per game and third in home runs in the MLB. Kyle Tucker has been a standout player for the Cubs, with a .744 slugging percentage and four home runs, driving in 11 runs while also displaying strong plate discipline. Matthew Boyd will be starting for Chicago, coming off a solid outing despite a disappointing performance from the bullpen in their last game. The Cubs currently have a 4.71 ERA, ranking 21st in the league. Overall, the Cubs have a power ranking of 11 and are ranked third in offense and 23rd in defense. In their last three matchups, San Diego has a 2-1 record against Chicago.

San Diego's Starting Pitching Shines in 2025 Season Opener

Both starting pitchers demonstrated strong performances in their 2025 debuts. Boyd is projected to pitch a maximum of five innings, while Pivetta has the potential to last six or even seven innings with a solid performance. As the game progresses and bullpens become active, San Diego gains a significant advantage. Both teams possess formidable offensive capabilities, but San Diego's superior pitching gives them the edge. I predict San Diego will rebound from Friday's loss.

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