The Cubs (16-10) continued their strong start to the 2025 season by taking a pair of games from the World Series champion Dodgers at Wrigley. The offense continued to lead the way for Chicago with 18 runs scored in the two contests. Pete Crow-Armstrong in particular is absolutely raking right now, piling up extra-base hits and raising his batting average 100 points in just over a week.
The North Siders are starting to build up a lead in the National League Central before even playing a single game against one of their division rivals. Another talented team comes to the Friendly Confines this weekend when the Phillies play a three-game set beginning Friday afternoon.
Philadelphia (13-12) got off to a 13-8 record this season but has lost four consecutive games to fall back to just one above the .500 mark. The hitters are still the strongest aspect of the team, with power bats Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper looming. Another former Cub, Nick Castellanos, has been heating up lately as well.
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The Phillies’ pitchers have had a much more difficult road so far in 2025, with a team ERA of 4.32 that is just 22nd in baseball. The starting staff has been solid other than Aaron Nola, who has struggled out of the gate. The bullpen, on the other hand, has been a complete disaster with a 5.56 ERA that is second-worst in MLB.
Despite their recent issues, the Fightin’ Phils are a very dangerous squad and a perennial playoff team. The Cubs are also dangerous right now and should have some success against a very leaky Philadelphia relief corps. It could make for another explosive offensive weekend at Wrigley.
Chicago is almost at the end of the grueling schedule they have faced to start the season, although they still have to meet the Giants and Mets in early May. They are in just great position to face the rest of the calendar, hopefully, they can take advantage.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Friday, April 25 at 1:20pm CT on MLB Network and Marquee.
- Saturday, April 26 at 3:05pm CT on Fox.
- Sunday, April 27 at 6:10pm CT on ESPN.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 4/25 | Colin Rea | 34 | R | 1.32 | 0-0 | 1.49 | 12.00 |
| Taijuan Walker | 32 | R | 2.29 | 1-1 | 4.25 | 2.00 | |
| 4/26 | Ben Brown | 25 | R | 4.57 | 2-1 | 4.50 | 2.00 |
| Jesús Luzardo | 27 | L | 2.08 | 2–0 | 1.77 | 5.14 | |
| 4/27 | Jameson Taillon | 33 | R | 4.73 | 1-1 | 4.45 | 3.43 |
| Aaron Nola | 31 | R | 6.43 | 0–5 | 4.88 | 2.82 |
What to Watch For
- Closer Ryan Pressly was unavailable Tuesday and Wednesday after getting his knee drained, but he might be available Friday.
- Dansby Swanson had three hits against the Dodgers and may be coming out of his slump.
- The Cubs continue to look for a solution at third base after moving on from Gage Workman.
- The Saturday and Sunday games are both national broadcasts.
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