Dodgers vs Cubs

Los Angeles heads to Wrigley with the bats blazing, putting up nearly five runs per game during a recent surge led by key contributors in top form. Meanwhile, Chicago is staying hot but continues to battle injury issues in the heart of the lineup. Their bullpen hasn’t helped either, showing signs of wear with an ERA trending the wrong direction. On the mound, the Cubs turn to a lefty who’s struggled in past meetings with several of L.A.’s right-handed stars, while the Dodgers have yet to decide a starter for today (as of writing this article), though most of their starters can fan the Cubs' lineup with ease.

Honestly, with how deep the Dodgers’ lineup is and the way Chicago’s relief corps has been leaking late, this one lines up pretty well for L.A. Even if they don’t blow it open early, they’ve got enough firepower and bullpen depth to edge ahead late. Good value play at standard moneyline odds—Grade B+.

Los Angeles enters this one riding a 6-4 run and plenty of positive energy, while Chicago looks to stay hot despite a key rotation shuffle due to injury. The Cubs hand the ball to a veteran who hasn’t consistently held down strong lineups, and the Dodgers are certainly swinging it like one. The top of both orders bring plenty of heat, and both bullpens have shown cracks—particularly Chicago’s, which has struggled to lock down the middle innings. Add in the lively spring air at Wrigley and you’ve got all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair.

This one feels like a solid Over play at 9, especially with both teams leaning on depth arms and weather helping the ball carry. You’re not banking on a slugfest, but there’s enough offensive firepower on both sides to get you there. Grade: B—good value, just keep an eye on the forecast.

Los Angeles is likely to send one of its many aces to the mound, and have only dropped two of their last seven, partly due to bullpen fatigue and key absences in the late innings. On the other side, Chicago has quietly surged, winning four of its last six, even as one of its key sluggers remains day-to-day. The Cubs’ top of the order has shown a knack for getting to high-velocity arms like tonight’s starter, and they’ll counter with a lefty who's been dominant at home and thrives on mixing speeds. In a park where momentum can shift with one swing, and with the Dodgers laying a heavy price, the value clearly lies with the home side.

Taking Chicago on the runline here makes a lot of sense. You’re getting a solid pitcher, a hot team, and a lineup that matches up better than expected—all while banking on a close contest in a volatile venue. It’s not flashy, but that +1.5 is doing a lot of work for you. Grade: B+.