Chi. Cubs (1-2) at Arizona (0-1)
- When: Mar 28 2025, 9:40 PM
- Where: Chase Field, Phoenix
- Where to watch: ARID
MLB Betting Preview: Cubs vs. Diamondbacks – Game 2
Moneyline: Arizona -148 | Total: 9.0
Game Overview:
The Arizona Diamondbacks look to bounce back after dropping the series opener to the Chicago Cubs 10-6, when the teams square off in Game 2 of a four-game set in Phoenix on Friday. Right-hander Merrill Kelly takes the mound for Arizona in his 2025 debut, while the Cubs counter with Jameson Taillon, also making his season debut following exhibition action overseas.
Arizona Diamondbacks Preview:
Merrill Kelly, returning from a shortened 2024 season due to a teres major injury, is expected to play a major role again in Arizona’s rotation. Despite missing time last year, Kelly still posted a 5-1 record and is coming off a solid spring, striking out 16 batters over 15 1/3 innings. His past performance includes 25 combined wins across 2022 and 2023, including a key postseason role during Arizona’s World Series run.
Kelly holds a career 2-1 record with a 3.78 ERA in six starts against the Cubs, and Arizona will lean on his consistency to even the series. The D-backs offense showed pop in Game 1 despite the loss, and with the roof closed at Chase Field, the ball may carry even better in the night air.
Player Prop Lean – Merrill Kelly:
Strikeouts Over 5.5 – Based on recent spring form and his past K-rates, Kelly should rack up whiffs against a Cubs lineup still adjusting early in the season.
Chicago Cubs Preview:
Jameson Taillon enters his first official start of the year after a final tune-up in Tokyo, where he looked sharp, fanning four in 4 1/3 innings. The righty finished 2024 with a respectable 12-8 record and a 3.27 ERA. Historically, he’s 1-1 with a 5.14 ERA in three starts against the Diamondbacks.
Nico Hoerner returned from offseason surgery in the series opener and made an immediate impact, collecting two hits and an RBI. His presence, along with athletic plays from Pete Crow-Armstrong and a five-RBI performance by Miguel Amaya, gave the Cubs a major spark in Game 1.
Still, Chicago’s bullpen depth is being tested early with three pitchers already landing on the injured list, including setup man Ryan Brasier.
Player Prop Lean – Jameson Taillon:
Earned Runs Over 2.5 – Arizona’s lineup tends to hit right-handers well at home, and with Taillon facing his first real test, he may give up some damage early.
Prediction & Betting Angle:
Arizona is in a prime bounce-back spot with Kelly toeing the rubber and more overall stability in the rotation and lineup. Chicago’s offense showed life in the opener, but expect regression in Game 2. The Cubs’ bullpen concerns could show up late, giving Arizona an edge down the stretch.
Best Bets:
Arizona ML (-148) – The D-backs rebound behind their veteran righty.
Over 9.0 (-110) – Both lineups are capable of generating runs, and early-season pitching rust could lead to fireworks.
Final Score Prediction: Diamondbacks 6, Cubs 4
Arizona levels the series with stronger pitching and a bounce-back offensive effort in a high-scoring game.
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
