The Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals are set to clash in the rubber match of their three-game series on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Wrigley Field. With the series currently tied, both teams will be looking to secure a crucial victory. The Cubs, holding a stronger overall record, enter the game as favorites, but the Royals have shown resilience. The pitching matchup features Colin Rea for the Cubs and Seth Lugo for the Royals.
Key Matchup Insights
Probable Starters: Colin Rea (Cubs) vs. Seth Lugo (Royals).
Series Status: Tied 1-1.
Game Time: 2:20 p.m. ET.
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago.
TV Broadcast: MARQ and FDSKC.
Team Performance and Trends
The Chicago Cubs have demonstrated a potent offense, ranking second in MLB in runs scored with an average of 5.3 per game. They also boast significant power, hitting 150 home runs, good for third in the league. Their team batting average of .256 also places them third. However, their pitching staff’s strikeout rate is among the lowest in baseball.
The Kansas City Royals, while scoring fewer runs (3.5 per game, 29th in MLB) and hitting fewer home runs (81, 29th in MLB), have a strong pitching staff with the second-best ERA in the majors at 3.51. Their bullpen has also been effective.
Betting trends indicate the Cubs perform well as favorites, winning approximately 70% of games when favored and over 77% when the odds are -147 or shorter. The Royals have a respectable 46% win rate as underdogs and have won over 52% of games when the underdog is +123 or more.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with several key injuries heading into the series finale:
Chicago Cubs Injuries:
Miguel Amaya (Oblique) – 10-Day IL
Porter Hodge (Shoulder) – 15-Day IL
Jameson Taillon (Calf) – 15-Day IL
Eli Morgan (Elbow) – 60-Day IL
Justin Steele (Elbow) – 60-Day IL
Javier Assad (Oblique) – 60-Day IL
Kansas City Royals Injuries:
Michael Massey (Ankle) – 10-Day IL
Mark Canha (Elbow) – 10-Day IL
Daniel Lynch (Elbow) – 15-Day IL
Michael Lorenzen (Oblique) – 15-Day IL
Cole Ragans (Rotator Cuff) – 60-Day IL
Hunter Harvey (Shoulder) – 60-Day IL
James McArthur (Elbow) – 60-Day IL
Alec Marsh (Shoulder) – 60-Day IL
Prediction
Given the Cubs’ offensive firepower and home-field advantage at Wrigley Field, they are favored to win the series finale. However, the Royals’ strong pitching could keep the game close. A projected score of Cubs 5, Royals 4 suggests a tight contest, with the total runs likely falling under the projected 10.5.
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