[Aug 6, 2026 (Thu)] MLB Analysis Dodgers vs Cubs Preview - BeaverStats

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Quick preview of Dodgers vs Cubs (Aug 6, 2026 (Thu)).

*Lineups aren't confirmed yet! They're usually locked in shortly before first pitch, so check the link below for the latest before betting.

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Dodgers vs Cubs (08.06 03:20, Wrigley Field)

Starters: Dodgers Eric Lauer / Cubs Shota Imanaga

The Dodgers sit second in the National League at a 61% winning percentage, ahead of the Cubs in fourth at 57%, but recent form tells a very different story. Los Angeles has dropped five straight while Chicago is riding a two-game winning streak, and the Cubs also lead the season series 3-2, painting a picture that runs counter to where the two teams sit in the standings.

On the mound, Lauer has been ramping his velocity up over his last five outings, 90.7, 91.5, 91.7, 91.6, and 92.1 mph, while Imanaga has held steady in the low-91s, 91.3, 91.5, 90.2, 90.6, and 91.0. Season ERA-wise, Imanaga's 3.67 sits ahead of Lauer's 4.50.

The last-five-game FIPs actually run the other way, though. Lauer's velocity is trending up, but his FIP over that stretch (29.1 innings) comes in at 4.79, worse than his 4.50 season ERA, while Imanaga's FIP over the same span (29.1 innings) sits at 3.63, essentially matching his 3.67 season mark - neither starter is showing a clear uptick in form.

Worth noting Imanaga has faced the Dodgers before, taking the loss on April 27 after allowing 6 hits and 4 earned runs (5 total) over 5.1 innings, so there's some recent history here that could work against him again.

Neither lineup is officially confirmed for today, with both clubs currently carrying over the previous game's lineup as a placeholder. Both offenses have cooled slightly - the Cubs from .255 to .244 over the last five games, and the Dodgers from .270 to .252, with Los Angeles showing the more noticeable dip.

The bullpen gap is even sharper. The Cubs' relief corps has a stellar 1.69 ERA recently compared to the Dodgers' shaky 6.87, and Los Angeles has also logged more work, 12 innings to Chicago's 8.2. In summary, the standings favor the Dodgers on paper, but recent form, the head-to-head record, Lauer's slightly underwhelming recent FIP, and the Cubs' steadier bullpen all give the home team plenty of factors working in its favor tonight.