The Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs begin a three-game set this afternoon at Wrigley Field.
Taijuan Walker has been pitching very well so far this season, and with his strikeout total quite low, I’ll explain why I’m eyeing the Over in my Phillies vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks for Friday, April 25.
Phillies vs Cubs prediction
My Phillies vs Cubs best bet: Taijuan Walker Over 3.5 strikeouts (-105 at bet365)
After a disastrous 2024 season where he had an ERA over 7.00, Taijuan Walker has performed much better so far in 2025.
The Philadelphia Phillies veteran has made four starts, compiling a 1-1 record and 2.29 ERA. He’s struck out 16 hitters in 19 2/3 innings of work, and that will be the focus for today’s game.
Walker has always had swing-and-miss stuff. He’s averaged 7.8 Ks per nine innings in his long big league career. More importantly, he’s cashed the Over in strikeouts in three of his four outings this season.
He struck out five apiece against the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves, and also racked up four Ks versus the Colorado Rockies.
In 34 2/3 career innings against the Chicago Cubs, Walker has 36 strikeouts. While Chicago is one of the best offensive teams in the majors right now, they’re still striking out an average of 8.3 times per contest.
Walker shouldn’t have any issues hitting four Ks at the very least in today’s start.
Phillies vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Taijuan Walker Over 3.5 strikeouts
Nico Hoerner Over 0.5 hits
Seiya Suzuki Over 0.5 hits
Although I’m taking Walker to strike out his fair share of hitters, we also can’t ignore the success that several players in this Cubs lineup have had against him.
Firstly, Nico Hoerner is hitting .302 this season, and he’s 3-for-9 lifetime versus Walker. Hoerner has also cashed the Over in hits in two of his last three contests.
As for Seiya Suzuki, he’s 3-for-6 in his career against Walker. The outfielder is also swinging it very well this season, slashing .276 in 22 games with six homers, three doubles, and 20 RBI already.
He has at least one hit in eight of his last 10 appearances and rarely goes hitless in a game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Phillies vs Cubs odds
Phillies vs Cubs live odds
Phillies vs Cubs opening odds
- Moneyline: Philadelphia +114 | Chicago -126
- Run line: Philadelphia +1.5 | Chicago -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Phillies vs Cubs trend
The Phillies have hit the Over in eight of their last 10 games (+5.90 Units / 54% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Cubs.
How to watch Phillies vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, 4-25-2025 |
| First pitch | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB Network |
| Phillies starting pitcher | Taijuan Walker (1-1, 2.29 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Colin Rea (0-0, 1.32 ERA) |
Phillies vs Cubs latest injuries
Phillies vs Cubs weather
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