Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels: Series Opener Preview, Odds & Key Players – August 22, 2025

Friday, August 22nd, 2025

Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels: Game Preview at Angel Stadium

The Chicago Cubs (73-55, second in the NL Central) take on the Los Angeles Angels (61-66, fourth in the AL West) in Anaheim to kick off a three-game series at Angel Stadium.

Pitching Matchup

The Cubs have yet to announce their starting pitcher. The Angels will send Tyler Anderson (2-8, 4.77 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 98 strikeouts) to the mound.

Team Records and Series Outlook

Los Angeles holds a 34-32 record at home and is 61-66 overall. When the Angels rack up more hits than their opponents, they have won 34 of 46 contests. The Angels will look to take an early series lead in their first meeting this season with the Cubs.

Chicago, currently second in the NL Central, has played well on the road (32-30) and is 73-55 overall. The Cubs’ power at the plate has been key, especially with 37 wins in 48 games when they hit two or more home runs.

Weather

Today at Angel Stadium, expect warm baseball weather with temperatures in the mid-80s under partly cloudy skies. There’s little chance of precipitation, so the game should stay dry. Light winds around 7 mph may have a minor influence on fly balls, but overall, it’s a great day for baseball.

Key Players to Watch

Angels

Nolan Schanuel leads Los Angeles with a .269 batting average, adding 22 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs, 56 walks, and 49 RBIs. Over the last ten games, Zach Neto is hitting well, going 12-for-40 with four home runs and nine RBIs.

Cubs

Kyle Tucker paces Chicago with 21 doubles, four triples, and 18 home runs. Nico Hoerner is 9-for-35 in his last ten games, contributing a double and two RBIs.

Recent Performance

The Angels are 5-5 in their last ten games, batting .234 with a team ERA of 5.66, and have been outscored by nine runs. The Cubs, meanwhile, are 6-4 in their last ten, posting a .200 batting average and a 2.83 ERA with an even run differential.

Injuries

Angels

Zach Neto (day-to-day, wrist), Gustavo Campero (10-Day IL, ankle), Chris Taylor (10-Day IL, hand), Jorge Soler (10-Day IL, back), Related Links

• Chicago Cubs News & Updates
• Chicago Cubs Schedule & Scores
• Los Angeles Angels News & Updates
• Los Angeles Angels Schedule & Scores
• MLB News