How’s a mulligan sound? We’ve got ourselves a redo from yesterday, as the wind-blowing-out-of-right-field resulted in inclement weather bad enough that Game 2 of the series was postponed. Instead, Jameson Taillon and Freddy Peralta will face off at Wrigley this afternoon, and the makeup game is scheduled for August 18th. Both teams have eyes on securing a win that could have lasting implications as the season progresses. The Cubs’ offensive depth and firepower will be tested by Freddy Peralta’s strikeout ability—not originally-penned starter Jacob Misiorowski.Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Thursday baseball game between the Cubs and the Brewers, with a some recycled material from yesterday.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Cubs vs. Brewers prediction, preview
The Cubs have been a juggernaut in 2025. With a .324 wOBA and 108 wRC+, they’re ranking fourth and sixth in the league, respectively. Their 39.1% hard-hit rate is elite, and their second-ranked ISO of .197 reflects their ability to generate power. Pete Crow-Armstrong has been on a tear, hitting .303 with a .397 wOBA over the last 10 games. He’s dialed in, with a 145 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers and a .386 wOBA. Seiya Suzuki has been productive, posting a .283 average and .359 wOBA in his last 10 games. His .349 wOBA and .837 OPS against fastballs make him a tough out against Peralta’s heater. Kyle Tucker has been a force, slashing .311/.388/.549 in his last 10 games. With a 138 wRC+ and .878 OPS against fastballs, he’s primed for success here. Matt Shaw has also been hot, boasting a .317 average and .379 wOBA in his recent stretch. His consistent ability to make contact and hit for power makes him an important part of the Cubs’ offensive attack.
Meanwhile, Jameson Taillon’s recent form — a 1.91 ERA and 0.79 WHIP over his last five starts — sets the Cubs up for success on the mound. Taillon’s 27.8% K-rate over that stretch reflects his ability to dominate when needed, and his control is sharp with a 5.3% walk rate during this hot streak.
Milwaukee’s offense is still a major concern this deep into the year. Despite boasting capable players like Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich, they rank just 25th in the league with 66 home runs, and their .237 batting average underscores their struggles at the plate. The Brewers have a bottom-five team OPS of .684, and their 2.7% home run rate ranks 27th in MLB, a major issue in Wrigley’s favorable hitting conditions. Their inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position (RISP) is another glaring issue, as they’ve been one of the worst teams in the league in that department this season. Yelich has shown signs of life recently with a .268 average and .360 wOBA in his last 10 games. His 11.2% walk rate and .206 ISO against right-handed pitchers remain solid, but his production has been more sporadic. Sal Frelick, on the other hand, has been steady, hitting .303 with a .368 OBP over the last 10 games. He’s a tough out and has been able to avoid strikeouts, but his recent numbers still don’t pose a huge threat to Taillon’s style of pitching.
Freddy Peralta (MIL) has been impressive with a 2.60 ERA and a 31.2% strikeout rate. His fastball velocity sits at 94.2 mph, and his whiff rate on the pitch is an outstanding 39.2%. However, there’s room to exploit him—left-handed hitters have posted a .332 wOBA against him this season, and that’s where the Cubs’ lefty-heavy hitters come into play. Peralta’s moderate home run rate of 1.05 HR/9 is also concerning, especially in a hitter-friendly ballpark like Wrigley Field. His xERA of 3.08 signals some potential regression on the horizon.
Brewers vs. Cubs pick, best bet
The Cubs, with their stellar pitching and high-powered lineup, have been dominant at Wrigley, going 14-3 in home games since mid-May. With Taillon on the mound and a bullpen that has allowed just one run in the last 11 innings, the Cubs are primed for another victory.
The Cubs’ bullpen has posted a 2.20 ERA in June, and their 4.02 FIP ranks eighth in MLB, showing they can sustain success even if Taillon exits early. Milwaukee’s pitching depth, already tested by injuries to key starters, will be further stretched if Peralta falters early. Factor in the Cubs’ offensive explosion — they’re averaging 5.35 runs per game, ranking second in MLB — and it’s clear they hold the advantage.
The Brewers’ bullpen has been solid with a 3.75 ERA over their last 10 games, but the Cubs’ offensive depth, home-field advantage, and recent form make them the strong play here. Peralta will have a tough time keeping the Cubs’ left-handed hitters in check, and Horton has the tools to limit Milwaukee’s offense. The Cubs are playing with a level of energy and execution that puts them in a great spot to win this one.
Best bet: Chicago Cubs (-115) vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Cubs bullpen is the story, here—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
