The Chicago Cubs currently lead the NL Central, bolstered by the steady performance of starting pitcher Matthew Boyd. Despite injuries sidelining key rotation members, Boyd has excelled, notably in his recent game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he allowed just one hit over six innings. Manager Craig Counsell praised Boyd's contributions, highlighting his ability to keep the Cubs competitive. Boyd's impressive home record of 6-0 and a 2.25 ERA at Wrigley Field underscores his importance to the team during this challenging period.

Having undergone Tommy John surgery in 2023, Boyd returned to action with the Cubs and has shown remarkable resilience. His versatility as a pitcher, utilizing various pitches effectively, has made him a reliable asset for the Cubs. Shortstop Dansby Swanson noted Boyd's professionalism and skill, emphasizing the team's confidence when he takes the mound. Boyd's ability to pick off baserunners has also made headlines, as he is currently leading the MLB with six pickoffs this season, showcasing his strategic prowess on the field.

Matthew Boyd's pickoff move has been a crucial part of his arsenal for 24 years, a technique honed since childhood under the guidance of his college coach. This season, Boyd's pickoff success has surged, tying him for the major league lead with five, matching his career high set in 2019 but in significantly fewer innings. His ability to deceive baserunners—sometimes leading them to stay too far off the bag—has been a game-changer, preventing stolen bases and getting crucial outs. Boyd's meticulous drills showcase his dedication and preparation, which have been recognized by coaches and teammates alike.

Despite the occasional error, Boyd's focus remains on controlling the running game, emphasizing that the goal isn't just to get pickoffs but to instill hesitation in runners. Cubs’ first baseman Michael Busch is just as committed to anticipating Boyd’s moves, illustrating the tight coordination required between pitcher and defense. Boyd’s commitment to refining this skill exemplifies how small adjustments can yield big results in high-pressure situations.

In a tightly contested match, the Philadelphia Phillies edged out the Chicago Cubs 4-3 in walk-off fashion at Citizens Bank Park, attributed largely to a critical error by Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd. After achieving a pickoff earlier in the game, Boyd's errant throw allowed a runner to advance from first to third, leading to a run that turned the tide for the Phillies. Despite the Cubs' defense, which produced three double plays and two outfield assists, their offense struggled against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who struck out 1,000 batters in his career during this game.

The Cubs managed to tie the game late with a solo home run from Ian Happ, demonstrating resilience, but they couldn't hold off the Phillies, who responded with two runs in the 11th inning, including a bases-loaded single by Brandon Marsh. Manager Craig Counsell lamented that if not for Boyd's error, the inning's outcome would have been different.

As the Chicago Cubs (40-25) visit the Philadelphia Phillies (37-28) on June 9, 2025, both teams are looking to turn around their recent performances. After losing two of three games over the weekend in Detroit, the Cubs hope to bounce back with Matthew Boyd (5-3, 3.02 ERA) on the mound. Meanwhile, the Phillies have struggled, suffering five consecutive losses, including three one-run games against the Pirates. Fans are eager to see how these two teams, each with different trajectories, will clash at Citizens Bank Park.

The betting odds favor the Phillies, with a -148 moneyline and a spread of -1.5. Key players to watch include Zack Wheeler (6-2, 2.96 ERA) for Philadelphia, who looks to continue his solid season against a Cubs lineup led by Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ. With both teams’ recent struggles, this matchup promises to be critical for their standings as June progresses.

As the MLB slate for Wednesday features five games at 1:10 PM ET and another five at 7:40 PM ET, focus shifts to the evening games for DFS enthusiasts. Hunter Greene emerges as the standout pitching option at $9,000, holding a striking 32.6% strikeout rate, far surpassing his peers. George Kirby, priced at $8,500, offers intrigue despite a shaky start against the Astros, now facing a more favorable Nationals lineup. Matthew Boyd ($8,300) has been consistent, scoring 20 DK points in three of his last four outings, with a solid matchup against the Rockies, while Clarke Schmidt ($7,700) rounds out the list despite concerns over HR/9 rates.

For hitters, the Mariners provide a decent yet not overwhelming stack opportunity against Trevor Williams. Cal Raleigh ($5,300) and Julio Rodriguez ($5,000) are strong candidates for building blocks. Value plays include Jonathan India ($3,100), who could exploit Greene's HR tendencies, and Addison Barger ($2,900), who is positioned well in the middle of Toronto's order. Stacking options to target include the Texas Rangers against Toronto's Paxton Schultz and the Chicago Cubs facing Tanner Gordon, both of whom have exploitable matchups.