Cubs vs Dodgers Preview: Two Strong Rotations Face Off

On Saturday, April 25, the Chicago Cubs travel to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Both teams sit at 17-9, making this a matchup between two evenly matched squads. The Cubs come in hot, riding a ten-game winning streak after rallying past Philadelphia 8-7. However, the Dodgers just blanked San Francisco 3-0 behind strong pitching. This clash features two different approaches: Chicago depends on solid, dependable pitching and strong defense, while Los Angeles boasts an overwhelming arsenal of elite arms from top to bottom. When these powerhouses meet, expect intense competition on the diamond.

The Cubs' pitching staff may not have flashy superstars, but it delivers reliability night after night. Jameson Taillon takes the mound for Chicago on Saturday, anchoring a rotation built on consistency. Veterans like Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd provide steady performances, while younger arms like Cade Horton continue developing their skills. Daniel Palencia closes games with confidence after a strong season. Although the Cubs lack overwhelming dominance from their pitchers, their approach works perfectly. Chicago's strategy depends on defense, balance throughout the lineup, and pitching that stays steady. When you combine these elements, they believe they can compete for the postseason.

Los Angeles brings baseball's most talented pitching staff to this matchup. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has emerged as their ace, backed by Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow—all elite-level starters. Shohei Ohtani, the sport's most extraordinary two-way superstar, is expected to return to pitching duties soon, adding another dominant arm. Roki Sasaki brings additional depth from the postseason. While injuries affect key players like Edwin Díaz and Mookie Betts, the Dodgers' core pitching strength remains formidable. This staff, combined with their powerful lineup, makes Los Angeles dangerous for any opponent chasing their third consecutive championship.