MLB Picks · August 5, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs
Strong Lean
Cubs ML
-118
70
/ 100
Starting Pitchers
Los Angeles Dodgers · Away
Eric Lauer (LHP)
Chicago Cubs · Home
Shota Imanaga (LHP)
AI Analysis
Shota Imanaga (3.67 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 119 K in 127.2 IP) is a clear pitching edge over Eric Lauer (4.50 ERA). The Cubs lineup hits LHP well — .264/.792 vs LHP — giving them a favorable split against Lauer. Pete Crow-Armstrong (.919 OPS), Seiya Suzuki (.850 OPS), and several hot bats make Chicago's lineup dangerous at home. The Dodgers are on a brutal L5 skid (3-7, L5 streak) and Lauer's profile doesn't inspire confidence as the away starter. However, the Dodgers' overall lineup quality with Ohtani and Freeman keeps this from being a strong lean.
Concerns
- •LAD's 69-45 record is best in game — elite talent even in a slump
- •Ohtani (.936 OPS) and Freeman (.871 OPS) are dangerous vs any pitcher
- •LAD hitting LHP at .251/.743 — adequate contact
- •Several CHC bats cold recently (Kelly, Conforto)
Factor Breakdown