First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM EDT
Venue: UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
TV/Streaming: SportsNet LA, Marquee Sports Network / MLB.TV
Series Context: Rubber match of a three-game interleague series (series tied 1-1 after high-scoring affairs in the first two games).
Team Records and Recent Form
Chicago Cubs (17-10 overall, 6-4 on the road): The Cubs lead the NL Central thanks to timely hitting and strong starting pitching early in 2026. They are competitive on the road but enter after a tough Game 2 loss that snapped a brief hot streak. Recent form shows offensive bursts (averaging ~5+ runs/game lately) paired with a solid bullpen, though road consistency has been tested in close contests.
Los Angeles Dodgers (18-9 overall, 9-4 at home): The Dodgers sit 2nd in the NL West and have been dominant at home with elite run production and pitching depth. They are 4-1 in their last 5 overall and enter motivated to take the series after splitting the first two games. Home offense has been potent, fueled by power and timely hitting despite some absences.
Probable Pitchers and Player Matchups
Cubs Starter: Shota Imanaga (LHP, 2-1, 2.17 ERA) — Imanaga has been outstanding with elite command, low hard-contact rates, and strikeout stuff. He’ll face a righty-heavy Dodgers lineup that can be vulnerable to lefties when missing key pieces.
Dodgers Starter: Justin Wrobleski (RHP, 3-0, 1.88 ERA) — Wrobleski has been a revelation with dominant early-season command and ground-ball efficiency, giving Los Angeles a clear pitching edge in this home spot.
Key Player Matchups
Dodgers: Freddie Freeman (1B), Teoscar Hernández (OF), and remaining power threats — Freeman’s consistency and Hernández’s pop could test Imanaga’s command in the middle innings.
Cubs: Nico Hoerner (2B, .306 AVG), Ian Happ (LF), and young contributors like Pete Crow-Armstrong or Michael Busch — Chicago’s contact/speed approach faces Wrobleski’s low-ERA profile; road platoon edges favor the visitors’ opportunistic lineup.
Injury Report
Cubs: Multiple pitchers sidelined (Hunter Harvey RP 15-day IL — triceps; Justin Steele SP out until ~May 1; additional depth notes on Caleb Thielbar and others recently added to IL). Position players largely intact.
Dodgers: Significant absences — Mookie Betts (10-day IL, back), Tommy Edman (10-day IL, ankle), Brock Stewart (15-day IL, shoulder), Brusdar Graterol (15-day IL, shoulder), Blake Snell (15-day IL, shoulder), Edwin Díaz (15-day IL, elbow). Outfield/infield and bullpen depth tested.
Series History
Interleague/rivalry matchups have been competitive historically (evenly split in recent seasons). The 2026 series has featured high variance and offense (overs in early games). Dodger Stadium has played neutral-to-slightly hitter-friendly early, with totals trending over in recent head-to-heads.
Weather Updates
Gametime forecast at Dodger Stadium: Partly cloudy, 67°F, 4% chance of precipitation, winds 14 mph blowing out. Excellent early-season conditions with no impact expected on fly balls (slight carry potential) or base-running. Comfortable for fans and no delays anticipated.
Betting Trends
Dodgers strong as home favorites (65%+ win rate) and 14-13 ATS overall; Cubs competitive but 6-4 on road. Series games have leaned over due to offensive bursts. Dodgers have covered in recent home spots; totals hit over in 7 of last 10 H2H.
Game Odds
Chicago Cubs 9
Los Angeles Dodgers – 128
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 25, 2026
