The San Diego Padres took home Game 1 of their series against the Chicago Cubs in front of the Friar Faithful at PETCO Park, and the two clubs hit the diamond for Game 2 on Tuesday, April 15.
My top Cubs vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks are expecting a tough night for San Diego starter Randy Vasquez with the Chicago bats squaring up the light-tossing righty.
Cubs vs Padres prediction
My Cubs vs Padres best bet: Michael Busch Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-105 at bet365)
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch has gone yard in three straight and is in the beginning stages of cashing in on his second-year breakout with a .403 wOBA and .310 ISO to start the campaign.
He’s had success against right-handed arms dating back to 2024 with a solid .354 wOBA and .220 ISO, and there’s no question that batting fourth behind Kyle Tucker has been a boon for Busch.
Busch also went 1-for-3 with a walk against San Diego Padres righty Randy Vasquez in their first meeting of the season, and I like Busch to keep the good times rolling against the pitch-to-contact Friar.
Vasquez has surrendered a healthy .311 batting average and .374 wOBA to left-handed hitters during his career, and there is screaming statistical correction ahead after a lucky start to 2025. He’s held opposing hitters to a .159 BABIP despite surrendering a 92.5 contact percentage to pitches inside the strike zone.
The unsustainable stretch is also reaffirmed by his 1.72 ERA landing miles below his 6.32 xFIP through his first three starts.
Cubs vs Padres same-game parlay (SGP)
Michael Busch Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI
Kyle Tucker Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI
Randy Vasquez Over 2.5 earned runs
The Cubbies have the second-highest wOBA (.359) and pace the majors in on-base percentage (.355) against righties since returning stateside following the Tokyo Series. Their plate discipline has been similarly sound, with a third-ranked 11.2 BB% and the fifth-lowest strikeout percentage against right-handed arms.
As a result, I’m anticipating Vasquez working with baserunners on early and often Tuesday, and his inability to generate strikeouts (career 15.3 strikeout rate) will have him in trouble throughout. Plus, as highlighted, there’s negative regression brewing.
Flipping to Tucker, he’s been an elite hitter against righties throughout his career (.376 wOBA) and has settled perfectly in the two-hole for the North Siders. He’s cleared this 1.5-base benchmark in 12 of 19 games to start the year, too.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cubs vs Padres odds
Cubs vs Padres live odds
Cubs vs Padres opening odds
- Moneyline: Chicago -125 | San Diego +105
- Run line: Chicago -1.5 (+130) | San Diego +1.5 (-155)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
Cubs vs Padres trend
The Cubs have cashed the Over in 21 of their last 31 away games (+13.30 units / 39% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Padres.
How to watch Cubs vs Padres and game info
| Location | Petco Park, San Diego, CA |
| Date | Tuesday, 4-15-2025 |
| First pitch | 9:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | Marquee, SDPA |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.70 ERA) |
| Padres starting pitcher | Randy Vasquez (1-1, 1.72 ERA) |
Cubs vs Padres latest injuries
Cubs vs Padres weather
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