Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs (2026-08-05). Eric Lauer vs Shota Imanaga at Wrigley Field.

Starters — Eric Lauer has a 4.50 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 88.0 innings, with 5.73 K/9, 2.97 BB/9, and a high 2.05 HR/9. His last three starts were solid overall: 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 1 BB; 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 5 K, 1 BB; and 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 K, 2 BB. The trend is listed down, but the most recent outing was his sharpest of the stretch. Shota Imanaga brings a 3.67 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over 127.2 innings, with 8.39 K/9, 2.04 BB/9, and 1.69 HR/9. His last three starts were excellent: 6.2 IP, 2 ER, 6 K, 0 BB; 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 1 BB; and 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 1 BB. The trend is also listed down, though his recent form points to strong command and run prevention.

Teams — Los Angeles has a .769 OPS, .261 average, and 578 runs scored, backing up one of the better offensive profiles in this matchup. The Dodgers’ pitching staff has a 3.71 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, but the club enters on a 3-7 run over its last 10 games. Chicago has a .754 OPS, .248 average, and 585 runs scored, so the Cubs have been slightly more productive in raw runs despite the lower OPS. Their staff owns a 4.06 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, and the team is 6-4 over its last 10, suggesting better recent momentum. For bettors, this sets up as Los Angeles bringing the stronger season-long run prevention and slightly better lineup efficiency, while Chicago counters with the hotter recent team form and the more reliable starter.