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

Marcus Stroman, one of the early season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Chicago Cubs (12-8) as they host the Los Angeles Dodgers (11-11) at Wrigley Field on Sunday with the home team looking to split the four-game series.

The Dodgers lead the series 2-1 after winning 9-4 on Saturday, their third head-to-head victory in six games this season. Dustin May got the win, allowing two runs on two hits over 5.1 innings and striking out six.

James Outman was 4 for 5 with two home runs and four RBIs in the win. Max Muncy added two home runs and three RBIs. Nico Hoerner’s on-base streak hit 18 as he went 2 for 5 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs for the Cubs. Eric Hosmer added a double and one RBI.

ON THE MOUND

Clayton Kershaw (3-1, 3.50 ERA) is set to start for Los Angeles. The left-hander threw seven scoreless innings in his last start, a 5-0 road win over the Mets on Tuesday. He earned the win, scattering three hits while striking out nine.

Kershaw is making his first appearance against the Cubs this season. Over two starts against the Cubs in 2022, Kershaw was 2-0 with a 0.61 ERA over 14.2 innings. He had 12 strikeouts and one walk.Righty Stroman (2-1, 1.00 ERA) gets the ball for Chicago.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the Dodgers. Stroman made one start against the Dodgers in 2022, throwing four innings in a 4-2 road defeat on July 9.

He gave up two hits and walked one, while striking out three in the no-decision.In his last start on Tuesday, Stroman took a no-decision on the road against the Athletics. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up two hits, striking out five and walking two in the 4-0 win.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Los Angeles has averaged 4.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 5.2. Against right-handed pitchers like Stroman this season, the Dodgers have ann .811 OPS, second highest in the league.

Will Smith has the team’s best on-base percentage against right-handers at .465 over 42 at-bats. Chicago is averaging 7.0 runs per game in the last five, up from 5.9 for the season, with a higher slugging percentage (.480 vs .463). The Cubs have ann .869 OPS against lefties in 2023, third highest in the league. With a 1.304 OPS over 23 at-bats, Patrick Wisdom has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Los Angeles is 5-5 in away games in 2023, scoring 5.6 runs per game while allowing 6.1 runs. Chicago has gone 6-6 at Wrigley Field this season, averaging 5.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.5. In the last 10 games between the teams at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.6-4.0.

STANDINGS UPDATE

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