The MLB betting action goes on Monday, May 9, 2022, with 11 games around the leagues, so we are taking a closer look at the National League showdown from Petco Park in San Diego to get you the best Cubs vs. Padres betting pick and odds. 

The Cubs and Padres lock horns for the first time in 2022, opening a three-game set in California. San Diego is listed as a firm -171 moneyline fave, while Chicago is a +157 road underdog with a total of 7.0 runs on BetDSI Sportsbook.  

The Cubs start a six-game road trip                             

Sunday night’s clash from Wrigley Field in Chicago has been excluded from this preview, and the 9-17 Cubs were hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers for the closing contest of a three-game series. Chicago was looking to avoid a sweep and put an end to its four-game losing streak. 

The Cubs have struggled a lot over the previous three weeks. They’ve dropped 13 of their last 16 games. Since a 6-3 road victory over the reigning champions, the Atlanta Braves, on April 27, the Cubs have scored only 11 runs in eight outings. 

Justin Steele is projected to take the mound Monday at Petco Park, and the 26-year-old left-hander is 1-3 with a pedestrian 5.50 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in five starts this season. Steele has been charged for a loss in three straight starts. On the last day of April, Justin yielded four runs (two earned) across three frames of work in a 9-1 loss at the Milwaukee Brewers.   

The Padres hope to get back to winning ways         

The San Diego Padres fell to 18-10 on the season following a heavy 8-0 home loss to the Miami Marlins. After winning the first two contests of a four-game set against the Marlins, the Padres fell apart in Game 3. Their bullpen yielded five earned runs in the top of the ninth inning, while the Padres’ offense finished with just five hits.

Excluding Sunday’s closer at Petco Park, the Padres have scored only 15 runs over their previous five outings while posting a terrible .172/.289/.267 slash line. On the pitching side of things, the Padres have registered a 3.56 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and .216 batting average against. 

MacKenzie Gore is expected to take the hill Monday, and the 23-year-old rookie is 2-0 with a sparkly 1.71 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in four starts and 21 innings of work in 2022. Last Wednesday, Gore tossed 5.2 innings in the second game of a doubleheader against the Guardians. The southpaw took a no-decision, allowing one earned run on four hits and three walks in a 6-5 defeat at Cleveland.   

Trends:

Chicago: 

  • 3-13 in the last 16 games overall  
  • 3-6 in the last nine games on the road 

San Diego:

  • 8-3 in the last 11 games overall 

Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres Pick 

The Cubs will have to take a long trip to California after playing Sunday night baseball against the Dodgers. On the other side, the Padres will be fired up to make amends in front of the home fans. The matchup with the Cubs looks like a perfect opportunity for San Diego’s offense to get things going, so I’m backing the hosts to win. 

I’ve mentioned the Cubs’ slump at the dish. On the other side of the ball, the Cubs have recorded a 4.25 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over the last seven days. Justin Steele will have a tall task to keep the Padres quiet. 

Pick: Take San Diego Padres at -171                     

The Total:

Chicago’s bullpen has posted a 2.84 ERA and 4.07 FIP in May, while the Padres’ relievers have recorded a poor 5.94 ERA and 4.52 FIP. Despite his strong start to the season, MacKenzie Gore is still a wild card, while Justin Steele cannot be trusted, so I’m taking the over on the totals. 

Both teams will look to break out of their funk at the plate, and given their recent form on the mound, the Cubs and Padres could easily combine for seven or more runs. 

Pick: Go over 7.0 runs at -120