Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers Preview
Today's Starting Matchup
Today's starting pitching matchup features Chicago Cubs's Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.17 ERA) against Los Angeles Dodgers's Justin Wrobleski (3-0, 1.88 ERA).
Both starters carry similar ERAs, setting the stage for a potential pitchers' duel. WHIP: Shota Imanaga 0.72, Justin Wrobleski 0.88.
Advanced metrics: Shota Imanaga — FIP 2.86, K% 29.6%, 29.0 IP / Justin Wrobleski — FIP 2.98, K% 9.8%, 24.0 IP
Team Season Comparison
2026 season record: Chicago Cubs 17-10 (.630), Los Angeles Dodgers 18-9 (.667).
Run differential: Chicago Cubs +37, Los Angeles Dodgers +61. Los Angeles Dodgers boasts superior run production.
Recent form: Chicago Cubs on a 1-game losing streak, Los Angeles Dodgers on a 1-game win streak.
Based on starting pitching, Los Angeles Dodgers holds the edge.
Bullpen Analysis
Chicago Cubs bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Ben Brown 2.37 ERA, 20 K in 19.0 IP, Colin Rea 4.61 ERA, 24 K in 27.1 IP.
Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Alex Vesia 1.93 ERA, 11 K in 9.1 IP, Blake Treinen 4.70 ERA, 8 K in 7.2 IP, Edgardo Henriquez 4.91 ERA, 8 K in 7.1 IP.
Win Probability
Projected win probability: Chicago Cubs 48% vs Los Angeles Dodgers 52%
Factors: Los Angeles Dodgers's starter owns the lower ERA, Los Angeles Dodgers's home-field advantage. Of course, baseball's inherent randomness means actual results may differ.
Key Tactical Points
Workload comparison: Shota Imanaga averages 5.8 IP per start vs. Justin Wrobleski at 8.0 IP. Getting six-plus innings from the starter significantly eases the bullpen burden.