First Pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
TV: MARQ Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network West | Radio: 670 The Score (CHC), KLAA 830 AM (LAA)
Game Overview
This early-season interleague series opener brings the visiting Los Angeles Angels (2-2, 3rd in AL West) to Wrigley Field to face the host Chicago Cubs (1-2, 4th/5th in NL Central). The Angels have shown some offensive spark in their first four games, while the Cubs are still searching for consistency after a slow start. The Cubs host the three-game set, looking to leverage home-field advantage and Wrigley’s early-season quirks against an Angels club that’s split its road games so far.
Recent Team Forms
Angels (2-2): Los Angeles has been competitive, posting balanced scoring and solid bullpen work in limited action. They enter this road series 2-2 straight up with momentum from a recent split, though the starting rotation has been inconsistent.
Cubs (1-2): Chicago has struggled offensively early while showing flashes of strong pitching. They’re 1-2 SU at home to begin the year and will rely on timely hitting to bounce back in this series opener.
Probable Pitchers & Player Matchups
Angels: RHP Ryan Johnson (0-0, ~7.36 ERA in limited 2025 action) vs. Cubs: RHP Edward Cabrera (0-0, ~3.53 ERA career profile)
Johnson, a young right-hander with strikeout upside, relies on a fastball-slider-changeup mix but has shown command issues in small samples. He’ll face a Cubs lineup missing key pieces but still featuring Cody Bellinger (1B/OF), Ian Happ (LF), and emerging threats like Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF).
Cabrera brings elite velocity and swing-and-miss stuff with his fastball-slider-cutter arsenal. He’ll square off against the Angels’ veteran core, including Mike Trout (RF/DH), Alex Bregman (3B), and power bats like Taylor Ward and Logan O’Hoppe.
Key matchup edges: Cabrera’s strikeout ability versus Los Angeles’ patient, veteran approach; Johnson’s stuff against Chicago’s contact-oriented but currently depleted lineup. Expect a competitive game with potential for strikeouts and Wrigley wind playing a factor.
Injury Report
Angels
Robert Stephenson (RP): 60-Day IL (elbow) – out until at least late May.
Grayson Rodriguez (SP): 15-Day IL (shoulder inflammation) – out until ~April 6.
Vaughn Grissom (INF): 10-Day IL (left wrist sprain) – out until ~April 1–3.
Kirby Yates (RP): 15-Day IL (knee inflammation) – out until ~April 6.
Alek Manoah (SP): 15-Day IL (middle finger contusion) – out until ~April 6.
Anthony Rendon (3B): 60-Day IL (hip) – long-term absence.
Additional: Ben Joyce (RP) shoulder concerns noted earlier. Angels’ rotation and bullpen depth are tested early.
Cubs
Seiya Suzuki (RF/OF): 10-Day IL (right knee) – out until ~April 1–10.
Jordan Wicks (SP): 15-Day IL (elbow/forearm irritation) – out until ~April 15.
Porter Hodge (RP): 15-Day IL (elbow strain) – out until ~April 6.
Justin Steele (SP): 60-Day IL (elbow UCL revision) – out until late May.
Additional long-term: Shelby Miller (RP) and others on 60-Day IL. Cubs are thin in the outfield and rotation but have called up depth arms.
Series History
The Cubs hold the all-time edge 16-10 against the Angels. Recent interleague meetings have been competitive, but Chicago has performed well at home in these cross-league clashes. This marks the first 2026 series between the clubs, with the Cubs hosting all three games at Wrigley Field.
Weather Updates
Game-time conditions at Wrigley Field: 68–70°F (high near 70°, cooling into the mid-50s), partly cloudy skies, wind 15–16 mph southwest, humidity ~49–55%, precipitation chance low (10–20%) with no delays expected. Classic early-season Wrigley weather—mild temperatures with a breeze that could play slightly hitter-friendly toward the ivy but remains manageable.
Betting Trends
Early trends (small sample): Cubs are 1-2 SU but favored at home; Angels are 2-2 ATS as road underdogs. Totals have hovered around 9–10 in early Cubs contests. Home favorites in interleague openers have hit solidly historically.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Angels 10
Chicago Cubs – 194
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 29, 2026
