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Stephen Nover Free MLB Saturday Play
(MLB) Chi Cubs vs. Philadelphia,
Money Line: -163.00 Philadelphia (Home)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -163.00 Philadelphia (Home)
Result: Loss
Look for the Phillies to straighten things out after an embarrassing, 15-2, loss to the Cubs on Friday in their first game following All-Star break.
Chicago is 21 games below .500 in rebuild mode. The Cubs had lost nine of 10 before Friday's game.
The Cubs battered Kyle Gibson last night. I don't see them having anywhere near that type of success against Zach Wheeler, who is at least two levels higher than Gibson. Wheeler has followed up well on his All-Star status of a year ago. He has a 2.89 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. Wheeler ranks 11th in strikeouts per nine innings at 9.6 and is in the top-10 in exit velocity and chase rate.
Wheeler won't lack motivation after giving up six runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Blue Jays during his last start 10 days ago. Wheeler had a 1.53 ERA in his previous 13 starts before that game.
Marcus Stroman goes for Chicago. He's 2-5 with a 4.69 ERA. Stroman is a ground-ball pitcher, but his ground ball percentage is at a career-low this season. Not a good sign. The Phillies rank sixth in homers and seventh in runs.
Chicago is 21 games below .500 in rebuild mode. The Cubs had lost nine of 10 before Friday's game.
The Cubs battered Kyle Gibson last night. I don't see them having anywhere near that type of success against Zach Wheeler, who is at least two levels higher than Gibson. Wheeler has followed up well on his All-Star status of a year ago. He has a 2.89 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. Wheeler ranks 11th in strikeouts per nine innings at 9.6 and is in the top-10 in exit velocity and chase rate.
Wheeler won't lack motivation after giving up six runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Blue Jays during his last start 10 days ago. Wheeler had a 1.53 ERA in his previous 13 starts before that game.
Marcus Stroman goes for Chicago. He's 2-5 with a 4.69 ERA. Stroman is a ground-ball pitcher, but his ground ball percentage is at a career-low this season. Not a good sign. The Phillies rank sixth in homers and seventh in runs.