Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions August 22nd 2025

Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago Cubs August 22nd 2025

The Chicago Cubs will visit the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Friday, August 22, 2025. The Cubs hold a 73-55 record and are second in the NL Central division. They are coming off a loss, with a 6-4 record in their last 10 games.

The Los Angeles Angels have a 61-66 record and sit fourth in the AL West division. They won their last game and have a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. Tyler Anderson will start for the Angels, bringing an ERA of 4.77 and a WHIP of 1.42. The Cubs have yet to announce their starting pitcher.

Cubs vs Angels Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels
• Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
• Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
• Betting Odds: Cubs Moneyline -145, Angels Moneyline +121

The Cubs Can Win If…

The Chicago Cubs are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Shota Imanaga pitched well, allowing only three hits and two runs in seven innings. The Cubs’ offense was quiet, with only five hits and no extra-base hits.

Despite the recent loss, the Cubs have shown they can win. They have a strong slugging percentage of .427, ranking sixth in the league. They also have 173 home runs this season, which is another top-six mark.

Seiya Suzuki is a key player for the Cubs, with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs. Nico Hoerner adds consistency with a .289 batting average. The Cubs’ lineup has depth and can challenge any pitching staff.

The Angels Can Win If…

The Los Angeles Angels are coming off a 2-1 win against the Cincinnati Reds. Yusei Kikuchi delivered a strong performance, pitching seven innings and allowing only one run. Key hitters like Yoán Moncada and Bryce Teodosio contributed with extra-base hits, showcasing their ability to impact the game.

The Angels have a powerful lineup, ranking fourth in the league with 179 home runs this season. Players like Jo Adell and Taylor Ward have been consistent in providing power, with 28 and 29 home runs respectively. This ability to hit home runs can change the game’s momentum quickly.

Starting pitcher Tyler Anderson will be on the mound for the Angels. Despite his 4.77 ERA, Anderson’s experience can help guide the team through tough spots. The Angels’ bullpen will also play a role, as they have managed to keep blown saves to a minimum this season, ranking 13th in the league.

The Lean

The Cubs are favored on the moneyline at -145. My model projects the Cubs to win with a score of 5-4. The Cubs have a stronger pitching staff, ranking 10th in ERA compared to the Angels’ 26th, which gives them the edge in this game.

The total is set at 9.5 runs, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. My model projects a total of 9 runs. The Cubs’ pitching strength and the Angels’ lower batting average suggest that the game will stay under the total.

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Cubs Seek Bounce-Back Effort in Anaheim

The Chicago Cubs open a nine-game road trip on Friday night against the Los Angeles Angels, looking to regroup after a tough loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago managed to win three of five in the series against the National League Central leaders, but manager Craig Counsell admitted Thursday’s 4-1 setback left a sour taste.

“We kind of held serve,” Counsell said. “But today’s game stings a little bit. Getting today’s game obviously would have been a big one.”

The Cubs sit seven games behind Milwaukee in the division standings, but they maintain a 5.5-game cushion for the top NL wild-card spot. Bettors looking to track the latest wagering opportunities can review the MLB picks ahead of the series opener.

Road Trip Opportunity

Chicago enters the weekend at 32-30 on the road, and this stretch against the Angels, Giants, and Rockies presents an opportunity to make up ground. Each of those opponents carries a losing record, a favorable scenario for the Cubs as they try to solidify playoff positioning. For more insight into upcoming matchups across the league, fans can turn to the MLB game previews page.

Probable Pitching Matchup

Counsell has yet to officially announce his starter, but right-hander Ben Brown (5-7, 5.91 ERA) is expected to take the mound. Brown allowed two runs on four hits over 2 2/3 innings in his most recent outing against Pittsburgh, a contest the Cubs went on to win 4-3. The rookie has never faced Los Angeles.

The Angels counter with veteran left-hander Tyler Anderson (2-8, 4.77 ERA). Despite owning a respectable 3.69 ERA in 11 career starts against the Cubs, Anderson is mired in a record-setting stretch of 20 consecutive winless starts. Bettors can study breakdowns like this in the MLB betting guide to understand how pitching trends influence the odds.

Angels Looking to Build Momentum

Los Angeles had a day off Thursday following a 2-1 victory over Cincinnati. Luis Rengifo drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and Yoan Moncada added a home run. Yusei Kikuchi delivered seven innings of one-run ball to secure the win.

At 6.5 games out of the final American League wild-card berth, the Angels need a strong showing in this series to keep slim postseason hopes alive. For those looking to invest in tonight’s matchup or others on the slate, premium insights are available through buy picks

Injury Update: Neto Cleared to Return

The Angels received good news when shortstop Zach Neto’s X-rays came back negative after he was struck on the wrist during Wednesday’s contest. Neto, who is batting .267 with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases, is expected to return Friday. His presence provides a major boost to a lineup that has struggled for consistency.

Betting and Handicapping Outlook

The Cubs will be tested as they try to maintain their wild-card lead, while the Angels aim to stay within striking distance of October contention. Baseball bettors following this series can keep track of expert performances and streaks by visiting the best handicappers leaderboard

Chicago’s ability to capitalize on a softer stretch in the schedule may determine whether they can close the gap on Milwaukee. The opener in Anaheim will hinge on whether Brown can provide length against an Angels lineup looking to exploit his inexperience.

Series Outlook

Both clubs face urgency but from different perspectives — the Cubs eyeing playoff security and the Angels hoping to keep faint postseason dreams alive. Whichever team can get a quality start on Friday will have the early edge in the three-game set. Fans can follow all the scores and outcomes as they unfold with the latest MLB game results