Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia Phillies – Series Preview (April 13-15): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (7-8) rallied back from a five-run deficit on Sunday at Wrigley Field to beat the Pirates and avoid a sweep. The first two games of the series featured a decided lack of hitting with runners in scoring position that wasted excellent performances by the pitching staff, leading to narrow defeats.
Chicago heads back out on the road for a difficult three-game set against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park starting Monday night. Manager Rob Thompson led his team to 96 wins and a National League East title in 2025 behind a powerful lineup that remains largely intact.
Philadelphia (7-8) had a team OPS of .759 in 2025 that was the fourth-best in baseball. Old friend Kyle Schwarber had a monster season with 56 home runs and a .928 OPS. Former MVP Bryce Harper is always capable of doing damage in the middle of the order, and Trea Turner is a threat in the box and on the bases.
The Phillies’ pitching was also very formidable last season, with a 3.79 team ERA that ranked eighth in MLB. Staff ace Zack Wheeler is currently out injured, but left-handers Cristopher Sánchez and Jesus Lúzardo both have excellent stuff.
Fireballer Jhoan Duran is the closer for Philly, and former Cubs reliever Brad Keller signed in the offseason as a setup man. They have struggled in the early going, which contributed to consecutive series losses to the Giants and Diamondbacks.
The Cubs need to find more consistency with the bats, especially when they get men on base. They are about to begin a difficult stretch with five straight series against 2025 playoff teams. Things could go sideways very quickly if they don’t step up their game.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, April 13 at 5:40pm CT on FS1 and Marquee.
- Tuesday, April 14 at 5:40pm CT on TBS and Marquee.
- Wednesday, April 15 at 5:40pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 4/13 | Javier Assad | 28 | R | 0.00 | 1-0 | 3.15 | 1.50 |
| Cristopher Sánchez | 29 | L | 1.65 | 1–1 | 1.06 | 5.75 | |
| 4/14 | Colin Rea | 35 | R | 3.18 | 1-0 | 3.59 | 3.33 |
| Aaron Nola | 32 | R | 3.63 | 1-1 | 3.90 | 4.75 | |
| 4/15 | Shota Imanaga | 32 | L | 2.81 | 0-1 | 2.21 | 5.00 |
| Jesus Lúzardo | 28 | L | 6.23 | 1-2 | 2.34 | 6.50 |
What to Watch For
- Assad pitched 5.2 scoreless innings in his first appearance of the season against Tampa Bay.
- Moisés Ballesteros has five hits, including two home runs, in his last four games.
- Carson Kelly got on base seven times against the Pirates.
- Dansby Swanson has drawn a walk in four consecutive games.
