Dodgers vs. Cubs: Game 1, prediction, odds, injuries and picks

Dodgers vs. Cubs: Game 1, prediction, odds, injuries and picks - April 22, MLB 2025

Modified Apr 22, 2025 14:35 GMT

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Texas Rangers - Source: Imagn — Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers - Source: Imagn

The LA Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will begin a brief two-game series on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. Los Angeles and Chicago are two of the best teams in the National League and this should be a competitive game.

Here is a look at the odds for the series opener and a prediction as to how this game will play out.

Dodgers vs. Cubs prediction

Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers - Source: Imagn

The Dodgers come into this series with a record of 16-7, and they have belted 36 home runs in 2025. Tommy Edman leads the way with seven home runs.

Dustin May will be on the mound for the Dodgers on Tuesday night, and he is 1-1 with a 1.06 ERA. May will rack up the strikeout numbers in this game, but he must keep the ball in the park.

Shota Imanaga will be there for the Cubs. He has gone 2-1 with a 2.22 ERA. Imanaga has pitched well against the Dodgers this season, and he should be able to keep this game close.

With two of the best offenses in the league playing in this game, there will be some fireworks. The Dodgers have the better overall offense, and they will win this matchup on Tuesday.

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 6, Chicago Cubs 4

Dodgers vs. Cubs odds

Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cubs - Source: Imagn

Money Line: Los Angeles Dodgers -120, Chicago Cubs EVEN

Run Spread: Dodgers -1.5 (+135), Cubs +1.5 (-160)

Total Runs: Over 8.5 (-110), Under 8.5 (-110)

Dodgers vs. Cubs injuries

Los Angeles Dodgers injury report:

Blake Treinen (RHP): 15-Day IL (Right forearm sprain)

Blake Snell (LHP): 15-Day IL (Left shoulder inflammation)

Clayton Kershaw (LHP): 60-Day IL (Surgery recovery)

Tony Gonsolin (RHP): 15-Day IL (Back tightness)

Michael Kopech (RHP): 15-Day IL (Right shoulder impingement)

Chicago Cubs injury report:

Tyson Miller (RHP): 15-Day IL (Left hip impingement)

Javier Assad (RHP): 15-Day IL (Mild left oblique strain)

Justin Steele (LHP): 15-Day IL (Left elbow)

Ryan Brasier (RHP): 15-Day IL (Right elbow)

Dodgers vs. Cubs picks

The Cubs have proven that they can play with the Dodgers this season, but the pitching matchup favors the visitors in this game. Look for Los Angeles to not only win this game, but to cover the run spread as well.

Money Line: Los Angeles Dodgers -120

Run Spread: Dodgers -1.5 (+135)

Total Runs: Over 8.5 (-110)

About the author

Ryan Burks is a baseball journalist at Sportskeeda with over 7 years of experience in the field, writing for publications such as Knup Sports. Ryan graduated from Elmhurst College in 2009 with a degree in Communications.

Ryan is a huge Chicago Cubs fan and enjoys their storied history and traditions. His favorite sporting moment was when the Cubs won the 2016 World Series, breaking a championship drought that dated back to 1908.

His favorite player was Ken Griffey Jr., as Ryan grew up during his prime and he was the coolest player in league history. Greg Maddux also deserves a mention, as he was truly amazing on the mound.

When not working or watching sports, Ryan coaches basketball and baseball, loves fishing, and spends time with his family.

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Edited by Krutik Jain