Stephen Nover Free MLB Saturday Play
(MLB) Chi Cubs vs. Philadelphia, 07/23/2022 6:05 PM, Score: 6 - 2
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.