Bucknell vs. Villanova and Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Game Schedule

The Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies begin a three-game series on April 13, 2026, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The game is scheduled to start at 6:40 p.m. EDT.

Both teams enter the series with identical records of 7-8. The Cubs currently hold fifth place in the National League Central, while the Phillies are third in the National League East.

Pitching Matchups and Player Stats

The Chicago Cubs will start right-handed pitcher Javier Assad, who holds a 1-0 record and a 0.00 ERA. The Phillies will counter with left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sanchez, who has a 1-1 record and a 1.65 ERA.

Key offensive players for the Cubs include second baseman Nico Hoerner, who has a .316 batting average and 10 RBIs, and left fielder Ian Happ, who has recorded four home runs and seven RBIs.

The Phillies feature first baseman Bryce Harper, who has 10 RBIs and three home runs with a .273 batting average. Center fielder Justin Crawford is also a significant threat, posting a .341 batting average and a .477 slugging percentage.

Team Status and Availability

Both rosters are managing several injuries heading into the contest. The Chicago Cubs have five players listed on the injury report:

• Jaxon Wiggins (SP): Day-to-Day, estimated return April 15
• Jeff Brigham (RP): 7-Day IL, estimated return April 15
• Jordan Wicks (RP): 15-Day IL, estimated return April 15
• Trent Thornton (RP): 7-Day IL, estimated return April 16
• Matthew Boyd (SP): 15-Day IL, estimated return April 18

The Philadelphia Phillies are missing five players as well:

• J.T. Realmuto (C): Day-to-Day, estimated return April 13
• Andrew Bechtold (3B): 7-Day IL, estimated return April 14
• Michael Mercado (RP): 7-Day IL, estimated return April 14
• Zack Wheeler (SP): 15-Day IL, estimated return April 19
• Max Lazar (RP): 15-Day IL, estimated return April 20

Recent Performance

The Cubs have won three of their last five games, including a 7-6 victory over Pittsburgh on April 12, 2026, and two wins against Tampa Bay on April 7 and April 8, 2026.

The Phillies have won two of their last five contests. Their most recent game on April 12, 2026, resulted in a 4-3 loss to Arizona, following a 4-3 win against the same opponent on April 11, 2026.

Game Coverage and Logistics

The matchup will be broadcast on MLB.TV, FS1, Marquee, NBCS Philadelphia+, and TBS. The game is being held at Citizens Bank Park, with local weather in Philadelphia reported at 80 degrees.

The Phillies have designated this game as Scouts Night II as part of their promotional schedule.