LA Angels vs Chicago Cubs Prediction, Odds & Starting Pitchers

Jun 29, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele (35) delivers a pitch in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY SportsWe’ve made our Angels vs Cubs prediction for Friday’s interleague series openerThe Cubs are -190 moneyline favorites, while the Angels are +160 underdogsRead below for Angels vs Cubs prediction, odds, starting pitchers and injury report for July 5th

The Los Angeles Angels (36-50) will take on the Chicago Cubs (40-48) in the opening game of a three-game series at Wrigley Field on Friday, July 5, 2024. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 PM EST and the game will be televised on Bally Sports SoCal.

The Cubs are listed as heavy -190 favorites on the moneyline, while the Angels are +160 underdogs. The over/under is set at 10 runs, with Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele aiming to collect his first victory of the season.

Let’s delve into our Angels vs Cubs prediction for Friday as we break down the MLB odds and starting pitcher matchup.

Angels vs Cubs Prediction

The Angels are coming off a disappointing series sweep against the Athletics, losing the final two games by identical 5-0 scores. Meanwhile, the Cubs just dropped two out of three against the Phillies, but salvaged the series finale with a 10-2 victory.

Despite their struggles, the Angels have won four of the last five games against the Cubs dating back to 2019. However, the Cubs have been tough to beat at home when facing the Angels, winning six of the last eight meetings at Wrigley Field.

The pitching matchup for Friday’s game features Griffin Canning (3-8, 4.71 ERA) for the Angels against Justin Steele (0-3, 3.20 ERA) for the Cubs. Canning has struggled on the road this season, posting a 5.21 ERA and 0-6 record in seven starts away from home.

Steele, on the other hand, has been pitching well recently despite not picking up a win. Over his last three starts, he has allowed just seven earned runs in 20 innings while striking out 22 batters. The Cubs have won two of those three games.

Given the Angels’ current skid and Canning’s road struggles, the Cubs have a nice edge in this matchup. Look for Chicago’s offense to continue their momentum from Thursday’s big win and provide enough support for Steele to pick up his first victory of the season.

Friday MLB Picks:

Cubs -1.5 (-105)

Angels vs Cubs Odds

The Chicago Cubs are listed as -190 favorites on the moneyline, while the Los Angeles Angels are +160 underdogs for Friday’s series opener at Wrigley Field. Based on these odds, the Cubs’ implied probability of winning the game is approximately 65.75%, while the Angels have an implied probability of 38.47%.

The MLB odds favor the Cubs in this matchup for a few reasons. Chicago is playing at home where they have a 22-20 record this season, compared to just 17-28 on the road. They are also coming off an encouraging 10-2 victory over the Phillies on Thursday, which saw their offense break out in a big way.

.@ihapp_1 visits the left field bleachers 👋 pic.twitter.com/kZcGM9KTkL

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 4, 2024

On the other side, the Angels have lost four straight games and will be sending Griffin Canning to the mound. Canning has really struggled on the road this season, going 0-6 with a 5.21 ERA in seven starts. He has also lost his last two outings against National League opponents.

The head-to-head trends also slightly favor the Cubs, who have won six of the last eight meetings against the Angels at Wrigley Field dating back to 2016. However, it’s worth noting that the Angels have won four of the last five meetings overall in the series.

 

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Odds as of July 5, 2024, at BetMGM Sportsbook. Check out the best MLB betting apps for Angels vs Cubs. 

Angels vs Cubs Starting Pitchers

Griffin Canning will start for the Angels. The right-hander is 3-8 with a 4.71 ERA on the season and has particularly struggled on the road, posting a 5.21 ERA and 0-6 record in seven starts away from home.

CanningVSSteele

3-8	Record	0-3
4.71	ERA	3.20
1.33	WHIP	1.231
416	Career Strikeouts	431
22-29	Career Record	24-19

For the Cubs, left-hander Justin Steele will take the mound. Despite a solid 3.20 ERA, Steele is still searching for his first win with an 0-3 record over 12 starts. He has pitched well recently though, allowing just seven earned runs in 20 innings (3.15 ERA) over his last three starts.

Steele has recorded at least five strikeouts in each of his last five starts and has hit the over on his strikeout prop bet (currently set around 6.5) in 11 of his last 13 outings as a home favorite. The 28-year-old from Lucedale could be worth a look in the MLB player props with the Angels lineup struggling.

Angels vs Cubs Injury Report

The Angels will be without several key players for Friday’s series opener:

CF Mike Trout (knee) remains on the 10-day IL3B Anthony Rendon (hamstring) is on the 60-day ILSS Luis Rengifo is day-to-day after leaving Wednesday’s game with a wrist issue

The absences of Trout and Rendon are significant blows to an Angels lineup that has scored just 10 runs total over their current four-game losing streak.

For the Cubs, RP Yency Almonte (shoulder) is the most notable name on the injury report. He was placed on the 60-day IL back in early May.

 

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