Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers 4/21/23

Julio Urias, one of the early season’s toughest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers (10-10) as they match up against the Chicago Cubs (11-7) at Wrigley Field on Friday.

The Dodgers took Thursday’s series opener 6-2, their second head-to-head victory in four games this season. Reliever Caleb Ferguson was credited with the win after throwing one scoreless inning.

Max Muncy was 1 for 2 with a solo home run and two walks in the win. James Outman added two home runs and five RBIs. Cody Bellinger’s on-base streak reached 11 as he went 1 for 2 with a solo home run for the Cubs.

ON THE MOUND

Urias (3-1, 1.50 ERA) is set to get the start for Los Angeles. The southpaw matches up against the Cubs for the second successive start. On Sunday, he allowed three runs (two earned) over 5.2 innings, a 3-2 road defeat. He was charged with the loss, yielding eight hits while striking out six and walking one.

Left-hander Drew Smyly (1-1, 6.52 ERA) will toe the rubber for Chicago. His only prior start against the Dodgers this season was his last outing, when Smyly gave up one run over 5.2 innings in a 3-2 road win on Sunday. He gave up four hits and walked two, while striking out three in the win.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Los Angeles has averaged 4.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 5.3. Against southpaws like Smyly this season, the Dodgers have a .746 OPS. Freddie Freeman is the team’s strongest performer against left-handers with a 1.162 OPS in 23 at-bats.

Chicago is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.6 for the season. The Cubs have ann .808 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.429 OPS over 21 at-bats, Patrick Wisdom has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Los Angeles is 4-4 in road games in 2023, scoring 5.9 runs per game while allowing 5.5 runs. Chicago has gone 5-5 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.5.

The teams have split their last 10 meetings head-to-head at Wrigley Field, though Los Angeles has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.5-3.7.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Dodgers are second in the NL West, one games behind the division-leading Diamondbacks. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, two games behind the Brewers.