SI

Cubs vs. Padres Prediction, Odds, Probable Pitchers, Prop Bets for Tuesday, April 15

The Cubs are the best OVER team in MLB this season.
The Cubs are the best OVER team in MLB.
The Cubs are the best OVER team in MLB. | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs are aiming to bounce back from a rough loss to the San Diego Padres on Monday night, and they’ll have lefty ace Shota Imanaga on the bump.

The Cubs have already played 19 games this season, and they’ve been one of the better offensive teams in baseball, but they did lose All-Star Justin Steele for the remainder of the campaign with an elbow injury.

San Diego, on the other hand, is making a statement to open 2025, winning 14 of its first 17 games. It is set as a home underdog in this matchup with Randy Vasquez on the bump, but my favorite bet in this matchup isn't taking either team to win.

Here’s a breakdown of that bet, the latest odds and player props, and more for Tuesday’s National League battle. 

Cubs vs. Padres Odds, Spread and Total

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread

  • Cubs -1.5 (+124)
  • Padres +1.5 (-148)

Moneyline

  • Cubs: -148
  • Padres: +124

Total

  • 8 (Over -105/Under -115)

Cubs vs. Padres Probable Pitchers

  • Chicago: Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.70 ERA)
  • San Diego: Randy Vasquez (1-1, 1.72 ERA)

Cubs vs. Padres How to Watch

  • Date: Tuesday, April 15
  • Time: 9:40 p.m. EST
  • Venue: Petco Park
  • How to Watch (TV): SDPA, MARQ
  • Cubs record: 11-8
  • Padres record: 14-3

Cubs vs. Padres Best MLB Prop Bets

Padres Best MLB Prop Bet

  • Randy Vasquez OVER 2.5 Walks Allowed (+115)

Earlier today, I shared in SI Betting’s best MLB props column – Painting Corners – why bettors should fade Randy Vasquez in this matchup: 

No team in Major League Baseball has drawn more walks than the Chicago Cubs, and that could spell trouble for San Diego Padres righty Randy Vasquez on Tuesday night. 

Vasquez has walked 12 batters in 15.2 innings of work this season, posting at least three walks in all of his starts. While the Padres righty has a 1.72 ERA, he has a concerning 4.53 FIP. 

Chicago should be able to make the youngster work on Tuesday night, especially since he’s struggling to generate many swings and misses. Vasquez ranks in the second percentile in whiff percentage, ninth percentile in chase percentage and fourth percentile in strikeout percentage, per Statcast. 

He’s a great fade candidate on Tuesday. 

Cubs vs. Padres Prediction and Pick

Even though Vasquez and Imanaga both have ERAs that are south of 3.00, I don’t think they’re guaranteed to keep this game low-scoring.

First off, these are two of the best offenses in baseball right now, as the Cubs are third in MLB in OPS and the Padres are fourth. On top of that, the OVER is 13-5-1 in Chicago’s 19 games – the best mark in MLB when it comes to hitting the OVER.

Both Imanaga and Vasquez have FIPs that are over 4.00, and I already detailed that Vasquez’s walk issues are a major concern for him and the Padres in this matchup.

Plus, as good as Imanaga has looked in a couple of his starts, he’s still in the 37th percentile in expected ERA, per Statcast. 

I think this total is way too low for two thriving offenses on Tuesday. 

Pick: OVER 8 (-105 at DraftKings)


Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.


Are you new to DraftKings? Sign up today and place a $5 bet to earn a guaranteed $150 in bonus bets. Win or lose, DraftKings will issue six $25 bonus bets instantly.


Published
Peter Dewey
PETER DEWEY

Peter is a senior editor for Sports Illustrated Betting. He has worked as a writer and editor for BetSided, NBC Sports, the Connecticut Sun and the Meriden Record-Journal covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, and more. A New York City resident, he is a hoops fanatic with a soft spot for his New York Knicks.

Share on XFollow @peterdewey2