Key Highlights:
The Chicago Cubs (6-4) are on the cusp of extending their winning streak to five games, as they host the San Diego Padres (7-1) at Wrigley Field on April 5, 2025. Coming off a strong performance in Arizona, Matthew Boyd takes the mound for the Cubs, aiming to continue his stellar start to the season. The Cubs’ lineup, featuring key players like Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Dansby Swanson, will look to give Boyd the run support he needs against a tough Padres team.
With the Padres boasting a hot start to their season, the Cubs will need Boyd to continue his impressive form and keep their momentum going as they aim to stay competitive in the highly contested NL Central.
Matthew Boyd’s Strong Start for the Cubs
Matthew Boyd’s first start in a Cubs uniform could not have gone better. In his season debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boyd delivered five scoreless innings, allowing just four hits while striking out five. He did walk three batters, but overall, his command was solid, and the Cubs’ defense helped him avoid any significant damage.
Boyd’s performance was particularly impressive given the uncertainty surrounding his return after Tommy John surgery. His ability to limit hard contact and pitch with poise in the early innings was a positive sign for Cubs fans, who are hoping that Boyd can help stabilize the starting rotation in 2025.
Boyd’s success was built on a strong fastball and a good mix of off-speed pitches. He will need to maintain his control and avoid giving up too many fly balls, especially in the windier conditions expected at Wrigley Field. Despite allowing a number of fly balls in his first start, Boyd’s ability to induce weak contact and keep hitters off balance suggests that he can handle the challenges of pitching in Chicago.
Cubs Lineup: A Familiar Setup with Minor Changes
The Cubs lineup for the April 5 game is familiar, with the exception of Carson Kelly stepping in for Miguel Amaya behind the plate. The two catchers have been sharing duties, and Kelly’s inclusion in the starting lineup provides some balance. Here’s how the Cubs are set up for the game:
- Ian Happ, LF
- Kyle Tucker, RF
- Seiya Suzuki, DH
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- Matt Shaw, 3B
- Carson Kelly, C
The Cubs’ batting lineup is solid across the board, with Ian Happ and Kyle Tucker expected to lead the charge in the outfield. The middle of the lineup, featuring Seiya Suzuki, Michael Busch, and Dansby Swanson, offers power and on-base skills, while rookie Matt Shaw provides some flexibility at third base.
Michael Busch is getting another start at first base, and though there was some thought that Justin Turner might make an appearance against Padres starter Nick Pivetta, Busch is the more logical choice due to his consistent play.
San Diego Padres: Pitching and Lineup
The Padres, who are currently 7-1, have been impressive this season, especially on the mound. They’ll turn to right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta, who had a remarkable start to his Padres career. Pivetta’s first start for the Padres came against the Atlanta Braves, where he pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, striking out four and walking none. Pivetta’s ability to limit hard contact and control the game was evident, and the Cubs will have to bring their A-game to handle him.
Pivetta has struggled more against right-handed batters throughout his career, and the Cubs will need their right-handed hitters—like Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, and Michael Busch—to capitalize on this weakness. Although Pivetta is a right-handed pitcher, his splits suggest that left-handed batters tend to have more success against him, making the left-handed heavy Cubs lineup a potential advantage in this matchup.
Key Matchup: Boyd vs Padres’ Sluggers
Matthew Boyd will face a formidable challenge in the form of Padres’ hitters like Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Matt Carpenter. Machado has historically been a thorn in the side of Cubs pitching, but Boyd’s mix of pitches could give him the upper hand. Machado is 3-for-7 with two doubles against Boyd, but the left-handed pitcher has kept most hitters in check so far this season.
The Padres’ lineup has depth, and Boyd will need to manage the power hitters carefully to avoid getting into trouble. Xander Bogaerts, in particular, has had a strong start to the season and has a solid track record against Boyd, going 2-for-12 with a home run and two strikeouts.
Weather and Game Conditions
The game is expected to be played under typical early April conditions at Wrigley Field. With temperatures around 50°F and wind gusts of up to 16 MPH in from left field, the Cubs’ pitchers will need to keep the ball down in the zone and avoid giving up fly balls that could carry in the wind.
Wind conditions could also play a factor in how both Boyd and Pivetta approach the game. While Boyd has had success with fly ball pitching, he’ll need to adjust to the wind and keep the ball in the park. Similarly, Pivetta will need to avoid letting Cubs hitters take advantage of the conditions, especially in a ballpark that is notorious for unpredictable winds.
Cubs vs Padres – Injury Report
Both teams are managing a few injuries:
- Chicago Cubs:
- Vidal Brujan (Utility)
- Javier Assad (RHP)
- Tyson Miller (RP)
- Ryan Brasier (RP)
- San Diego Padres:
- Bryan Hoeing (RP)
- Sean Reynolds (RP)
- Jhonny Brito (RP)
- Yu Darvish (SP)
- Matt Waldron (SP)
- Joe Musgrove (SP)
Despite these injuries, both teams are in strong form, and the absence of key players won’t diminish the intensity of this matchup.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
- Time: 1:20 PM CT
- Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network (TV), 670 The Score, WRTO 1200 (Radio)
- Streaming: GXR World app and website for live streaming in India
As the Chicago Cubs look to continue their winning streak, all eyes will be on Matthew Boyd to deliver another strong start. With the Padres in town, this game presents a critical opportunity for Boyd and the Cubs to build momentum as the season progresses. The pitching duel between Boyd and Pivetta, combined with the dynamic lineups on both sides, makes for a highly anticipated matchup. Cubs fans will be hoping Boyd can replicate his excellent form from his debut and lead the Cubs to another victory.
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