Chicago Cubs host Los Angeles Dodgers at 8:05 PM ET on Monday night to open a three-game series at Wrigley Field.
The Dodgers sit just a half-game behind the Brewers for the best record in MLB, while the Cubs are tied with the Yankees for the fifth-best record in the majors, trailing Milwaukee by 6.5 games.
Both teams are coming off disappointing weekend home series against American League East opponents, so tonight presents an opportunity to bounce back.
Each club also injected new life into its pitching staff ahead of the trade deadline. The Dodgers landed the biggest prize on the market in back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, while the Cubs acquired veteran changeup specialist Kevin Gausman from the Blue Jays.
Tonight's pitching matchup, however, features a young Dodgers All-Star left-hander against a veteran Cubs southpaw. Whenever these two historic franchises meet at Wrigley Field, it's must-watch baseball.
With the top two MVP candidates in Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong sharing the field, there's plenty of star power to go around.
Dodgers vs. Cubs betting picks and predictions
Dodgers ML (-125)
Getting the Dodgers this close to even money is a rarity. Throw in the fact they're trying to avoid a fourth straight loss, and there's even more value on Los Angeles.
The Dodgers own baseball's best road OPS (.801) and also lead the majors with a .808 OPS in games following a loss. They'll hand the ball to gritty All-Star Justin Wrobleski (11-2, 2.88 ERA, 1.02 WHIP), who has been not only a winning machine but also one of the league's best bounce-back pitchers.
The 26-year-old allowed five runs over six innings against Seattle on Tuesday, snapping a stretch of five consecutive quality starts. Each of the three times he has surrendered four or more runs this season, he has responded by pitching at least six innings while allowing two runs or fewer in his next outing.
He has been even better on the road and in night games, and now faces a streaky Cubs lineup that ranks just 18th in OPS following a loss. Chicago has also scored only 12 runs over its last five games.
Cubs hitters are just 4-for-25 with four walks and six strikeouts against Wrobleski.
Matthew Boyd has historically pitched well against the Dodgers, holding them to a .200 average and .578 OPS across 100 career at-bats. However, he owns a 4.35 ERA at Wrigley Field this season and has been more vulnerable to right-handed hitters, who are batting .257 with a .710 OPS against him.
The Dodgers also hold a clear edge in the bullpen. While both teams boast deep lineups, Los Angeles has more matchup flexibility from top to bottom.
Give me the Dodgers to edge the Cubs in what should be an instant classic.
Over 8.0 Total Runs (-115)
With little wind and temperatures in the mid-70s on the North Side, conditions should be favorable for offense.
Although both starting pitchers have enjoyed strong seasons, an eight-run total feels a little low. The Cubs rank fifth in baseball with a .770 OPS at home, while both teams are top-five offenses in night games. Chicago also ranks third against left-handed pitching with a .782 OPS, while the Dodgers rank sixth at .741.
Boyd has been more susceptible to right-handed hitters while shutting down lefties. Wrobleski has shown reverse splits, allowing left-handed hitters to bat .248 with a .725 OPS while limiting right-handed bats.
I can see the Dodgers striking first with a couple of runs in the middle innings before the Cubs answer. Once both starters depart, each lineup should find additional success against the opposing bullpen.
Pete Crow-Armstrong to Hit a Home Run (+550)
This feels like Pete Crow-Armstrong's stage.
The Cubs centre fielder is batting .320 with 16 hits, four home runs and 12 RBIs in 13 career games against the Dodgers. The Los Angeles native has consistently produced against his hometown team and has been baseball's hottest hitter since June 1.
Tonight also gives him another opportunity to strengthen his MVP case while sharing the spotlight with Ohtani.
He also matches up well against Wrobleski, even in a left-on-left matchup. Crow-Armstrong owns a .279 average and .865 OPS against southpaws this season, with five of his 24 home runs coming against left-handed pitching.
At Wrigley Field, he's batting .299 with a .970 OPS. In night games, those numbers improve to a .302 average and a 1.000 OPS.
Crow-Armstrong also has a hit in two tries against Wrobleski. After making headlines with comments about Dodgers fans before the season, he'll have another chance to make a statement tonight.
I like Crow-Armstrong to leave the yard, even if it comes later in the game after Wrobleski has exited.
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Dodgers vs. Cubs odds
Los Angeles Dodgers | -125 ML |
Chicago Cubs | +105 ML |
Run Line | LA Dodgers -1.5 |
Total | O/U 8.0 |
Dodgers vs. Cubs player props
Player Home Run odds
Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers) | +310 |
Seiya Suzuki (CHI Cubs) | +375 |
Teoscar Hernandez (LA Dodgers) | +475 |
Tommy Edman (LA Dodgers) | +500 |
Max Muncy (LA Dodgers) | +500 |
Alex Bregman (CHI Cubs) | +525 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
