On April 16, the Cubs (12-8) face off against the Padres (14-4) in the final game of their series at Petco Park. After a close 2-1 victory in last night's game, Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd, who boasts a 1.59 ERA, will take the mound against Padres' Nick Pivetta, also with a 1.59 ERA. Boyd's last outing saw him allowing three earned runs over six innings, while Pivetta delivered a stellar performance, throwing seven scoreless innings against Colorado.

The game’s betting odds reflect the tight competition, with the Cubs at +101 and the Padres at -121. Betting insights reveal the Padres' strong performance on the run line at 13-5, with the Cubs leaning towards the over at 13-6-1 this season. Key players to watch include Fernando Tatis Jr., who is on a five-game hitting streak, and Kyle Tucker, hitting .313. Bettors are advised to consider the over on the total runs set at 7.0, with projections favoring the Padres on the moneyline.

Week 3 of the 2025 MLB season offers numerous promising starting pitchers available on the waiver wire, ideal for both shallow and deeper leagues. Key players to consider include Jordan Hicks from the San Francisco Giants, who has improved his performance significantly with a robust groundball rate. Martin Perez of the Chicago White Sox continues to show excellent control, while young talents like Mitchell Parker from the Washington Nationals have demonstrated strikeout potential. Max Meyer from the Miami Marlins is also making waves with an impressive ERA.

In deeper leagues, Matthew Boyd of the Chicago Cubs and Hayden Wesneski of the Houston Astros are noteworthy for their recent performances. Meanwhile, Zebby Matthews of the Minnesota Twins is a sleeper pick, rumored to potentially join the roster soon. Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers is having a remarkable comeback season, making him a valuable addition as well. Lastly, Andrew Abbott from the Cincinnati Reds provides a solid option after recovering from injury. Consider these pitchers to strengthen your fantasy lineup as the season progresses.

On a night where the Chicago Cubs faced a tough challenge, it was the pitching of Matthew Boyd that stood out, albeit in defeat. Boyd had a dominant five-inning stretch, continuously keeping the potent Los Angeles Dodgers lineup at bay, allowing only two hits and two walks.

However, the game took a turn in the sixth inning. After a sequence of events led to a three-run home run by Tommy Edman, the Cubs found themselves shut out for the first time this season, falling 3-0. This game underscored Boyd's early-season success, having allowed just three runs in his last three starts, while also highlighting the challenges facing the Cubs in this matchup.

This week’s analysis dives into the recent performances and changes among trending starting pitchers, focusing on their potential impact in fantasy leagues. Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks is gaining attention for adjusting his curveball usage, which may help mitigate issues against left-handed hitters. Meanwhile, Hayden Wesneski of the Houston Astros has tweaked his pitch mix, relying more on his cutter and adding a curveball, indicating a promising evolution as a starter. Jackson Jobe of the Detroit Tigers raises concerns with his lack of swing-and-miss ability, prompting speculation about his future role. Matthew Boyd of the Chicago Cubs showcases a new changeup and adjusted release point, potentially revitalizing his career. Lastly, Tylor Megill of the New York Mets is reworking his slider and four-seam fastball approach, contributing to his early-season success.

Kyle Tucker has emerged as the standout acquisition for the Chicago Cubs this offseason, alongside fellow new players Matthew Boyd and Carson Kelly. In a commanding 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres, Boyd showcased his early success with six scoreless innings, while Kelly contributed significantly with a home run and four RBIs. Boyd's performance is particularly poignant, honoring his late grandfather, a devoted Cubs fan. His two-year, $29 million contract reflects the team's expectations for him to bolster their pitching rotation, which also includes Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. Manager Craig Counsell praised Boyd's ability to keep hitters off balance, emphasizing the importance of varied pitches.

Kelly’s recent form includes a cycle and critical RBIs, highlighting the depth and versatility of the Cubs’ batting lineup. Manager Counsell noted that contributions from multiple players across the order are essential to forming a consistent offensive threat, which the Cubs seem to be developing this season. This collective effort has led to a five-game winning streak for the Cubs, positioning them favorably in the competitive NL Central.