The Chicago Cubs face the Los Angeles Angels in the first game of a three-game series on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 6:38 PM PDT (8:38 PM EDT) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, California. With the Cubs looking to build momentum and the Angels aiming to exploit home advantage, this matchup kicks off a key interleague series. Fans seeking an edge can trust this expert preview, featuring key player insights, a pitching matchup, and a prediction—elevate your game with our proven MLB strategies now!
Chicago Cubs
- 2025 Record (as of August 21): 68-53, 2nd in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Cubs are 5-5 in their last 10 games, with a 6-2 win over the White Sox on August 17. Their offense (.251 AVG) is led by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 27 HRs, while pitching (3.85 ERA) has been steady despite injuries (e.g., Javier Assad on the 60-day IL with an oblique strain).
- Strengths: Balanced hitting and a resilient bullpen.
- Weaknesses: Road performance dips (31-29) and injury concerns.
- Player to Watch: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF) – .251 AVG with 27 HRs, a key against Angels’ pitching.
Los Angeles Angels
- 2025 Record (as of August 21): 60-64, 4th in AL West
- Performance Overview: The Angels are 5-5 in their last 10, with a 7-0 loss to the Orioles on August 19. Their offense (.249 AVG) relies on Zach Neto’s 21 HRs, while pitching (4.19 ERA) struggles with multiple injuries (e.g., Ben Joyce on the 60-day IL with shoulder surgery).
- Strengths: Home resilience (33-30) and occasional power surges.
- Weaknesses: Weak pitching depth and a depleted roster.
- Player to Watch: Zach Neto (SS) – .270 AVG with 21 HRs, a threat at home.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Cubs lead the all-time series 11-9, with the 2025 season series yet to begin (no meetings recorded as of August 21).
- Recent Encounter: The last meeting was a 5-1 Cubs win on July 5, 2024, with Pete Crow-Armstrong tripling and doubling, though no 2025 data exists yet.
- Key Insight: The Cubs’ recent form contrasts with the Angels’ home edge, setting up a competitive opener.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | Shota Imanaga (LHP) | 8-5 | 3.19 | 128.2 | 79 | 0.97 |
| Angels | Victor Mederos (RHP) | 0-0 | 5.63 | 8.0 | 7 | 1.50 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Shota Imanaga (Cubs)
- Strengths: Low ERA (3.19) and 0.97 WHIP, with a strong slider (35% usage) effective against righties like Neto.
- Negatives: 128.2 IP suggests potential fatigue, with a .245 batting average against in July.
- Victor Mederos (Angels)
- Strengths: Rookie potential with a fastball reaching 95 mph, untested in 2025 but showing promise in limited innings.
- Negatives: High ERA (5.63) and 1.50 WHIP over 8.0 IP indicate control issues against a potent Cubs lineup.
Key Players to Monitor
- Chicago Cubs:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): .251 AVG, 27 HRs, power threat.
- Dansby Swanson (SS): .289 AVG, 2 HRs recently, clutch hitter.
- Matt Shaw (3B): .260 AVG, 9 HRs since the All-Star break, rising star.
- Los Angeles Angels:
- Zach Neto (SS): .270 AVG, 21 HRs, key at home.
- Logan O’Hoppe (C): .245 AVG, 15 HRs, defensive anchor.
- Miguel Sanó (DH): .230 AVG, 12 HRs, power potential.
Recent Performance
- Chicago Cubs: 5-5 in their last 10, outscored by 1 run, with a 6-2 win on August 17.
- Los Angeles Angels: 5-5 in their last 10, outscored by 4 runs, with a 7-0 loss on August 19.
Critical Factors
- Venue: Angel Stadium’s dimensions favor hitters slightly, aiding Crow-Armstrong’s power.
- Weather: Forecasted at 78°F with clear skies (per web trends), ideal for a balanced game.
- Momentum: Cubs’ recent win streak contrasts with Angels’ inconsistency.
- Betting Odds: Cubs favored at -130, with over/under at 8.5 (per web sources and posts found on X), indicating a close contest.
Prediction
The Chicago Cubs are favored to win, leveraging Shota Imanaga’s 3.19 ERA and their 5-5 run. Victor Mederos’ 5.63 ERA and the Angels’ 5-5 stretch suggest vulnerabilities, though Neto could challenge. The game may hinge on the Cubs’ bullpen holding firm.
Final Prediction: Chicago Cubs win, 6-4. Imanaga outpitches Mederos, with Crow-Armstrong delivering a key hit.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Chicago Cubs (-130) – The Cubs’ pitching edge and recent form make them a solid pick.
- Over 8.5 Runs – Hitter-friendly park and recent offensive trends support a higher-scoring game.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong to Hit a Home Run (+210) – Crow-Armstrong’s 27 HRs and park factors offer value.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 21, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on Marquee Sports Network or Bally Sports West.
