MIL Brewers (2) @ CHI Cubs (2) - Money Line - MIL Brewers (2) Win - 2025-08-19 20:05:00 - MLB for Today, 08/19/25

The Milwaukee Brewers turn to Brandon Woodruff, who has been in dominant form since returning from injury. The right hander owns a 2.06 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts across 39.1 innings, showcasing sharp command and the ability to overwhelm hitters. His increased reliance on the sinker and cutter has been a difference maker, holding opponents to a .333 slugging percentage against the combination while limiting hard contact. With his ability to miss bats and work efficiently, Woodruff sets the tone for a Milwaukee team that has been steadily producing at the plate as well, with William Contreras and Christian Yelich providing consistent offense in the middle of the order. The Brewers have leaned on both their starting pitching and timely hitting in recent weeks, and that formula could prove effective again in this matchup.

The Chicago Cubs counter with Jameson Taillon, who has posted a 4.44 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 95.1 innings this season. While Taillon has shown stretches of consistency, he remains more hittable than Woodruff, relying on command and defensive support to get outs. Chicago’s lineup has produced in spurts, with Seiya Suzuki heating up and Pete Crow-Armstrong adding speed and energy, but they’ll face a stiff test against Woodruff’s dominant arsenal. If the Cubs can’t string together quality at bats early, the edge swings heavily in Milwaukee’s favor. With Woodruff’s elite form and the Brewers’ more reliable offensive core, the lean is firmly on Milwaukee to take the win on the money line.

Brewers vs Cubs Game 2 Prediction: Brewers ML (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable to -135