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 Sports
- We’ve made our Angels vs Cubs prediction for Friday’s interleague series opener
- The Cubs are -190 moneyline favorites, while the Angels are +160 underdogs
- Read 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
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Angels | +1.5 (-115) | +160 | Over 10 (-115) |
| Chicago Cubs | -1.5 (-105) | -190 | Under 10 (-105) |
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.
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.
| 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 IL
- 3B Anthony Rendon (hamstring) is on the 60-day IL
- SS 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.
Brady is the lead NHL and College Football editor at Sports Betting Dime, where he specializes in betting odds and data-driven analysis. Brady has over 10 years experience working in sports media, with work published by outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports, Yahoo! Sports and Fox Sports.
The highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago Cubs on Friday, July 5th is sure to be a thrilling game for baseball fans. With both teams boasting talented rosters and strong starting pitchers, this game is shaping up to be a close and exciting contest.
The Angels will have Andrew Heaney on the mound as their starting pitcher. Heaney has had a solid season so far, with a 4-8 record and a 4.84 ERA. He has shown flashes of brilliance on the mound, but has also struggled at times. However, with his experience and talent, Heaney has the potential to shut down the Cubs’ lineup and give the Angels a chance to win.
On the other side, the Cubs will be sending Yu Darvish to the mound as their starting pitcher. Darvish has been a reliable starter for the Cubs this season, with a 2-4 record and a 4.98 ERA. He has shown good command of his pitches and has the ability to keep hitters off balance. Darvish will be looking to stifle the Angels’ offense and give his team a chance to come out on top.
In terms of predictions and odds for this game, it is shaping up to be a close matchup. The Angels have been playing well recently and have a strong lineup that can put up runs in a hurry. The Cubs, on the other hand, have been inconsistent but have the talent to compete with any team in the league.
As for the odds, it is likely that this game will be a close one with both teams having a good chance to come out on top. The Angels may have a slight edge due to their recent success, but the Cubs are always a dangerous team to face.
Overall, this game between the Angels and Cubs is sure to be an exciting one for baseball fans. With talented starting pitchers on both sides and strong lineups, this matchup has all the makings of a classic showdown. Be sure to tune in on Friday, July 5th to see which team comes out on top in what promises to be a thrilling game.
