Free MLB Pick: Dodgers vs. Cubs Odds
Looking for Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs free MLB predictions? MLB betting sees the Dodgers taking on the Cubs on Saturday, 5/7/2022 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Cappers picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions like this Dodgers Cubs free pick.
2022 MLB Handicapping
(16-7) Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs (9-15)
Date: Saturday, 5/7/2022
Time: 1:05 PM ET
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago
Projected Pitchers: Clayton Kershaw (LAD) vs. Drew Smyly (CHC)
MLB Moneyline Odds: Dodgers xxx / Cubs xxx
MLB RunLine Betting Odds: Dodgers xx / Cubs xx
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: x
Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers will play the Cubs and Drew Smyly in game 1 of the series in Chicago Saturday afternoon after Friday afternoons game was rained out. With game 1 rained out Friday, these teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw comes into this game with a 3-0 record and a 2.35 ERA in 23 innings of work this season. In his last start, he pitched 6 innings giving up 1 earned run with 7 strikeouts vs Detriot. If you take out his 2nd start of the season when he gave up 4 earned runs, he has given up 1 or fewer runs in the other 3 starts. It was nice to see when Kershaw went 7 innings of no hit ball and 13 strikeouts in his first start coming off an injury.
Kershaw’s statcast page shows a lot of red meaning he has been as good as he has looked to start the season. He ranks in the 80th percentile or higher in 9 of 14 categories in the main advanced pitching stats. His expected batting average is sitting at .194 which if he maintained would be his 2nd best since 2015. Even though his ERA is 2.35, his expected ERA is only 1.77. Kershaw has been great so far in his age 34 season.
As a team, the Dodgers rank 16th in baseball with a .227 average vs lefties this season in 229 at-bats. The Dodgers are 9th in baseball in hitting on the road with a batting average of .238. Chris Taylor and Freddie Freeman are both batting over .300 vs lefties and Trea Turner is hitting .286 this season vs lefties. Watch for those 3 to get some early hits vs Smyly and hopefully get on the board early and often.
Chicago Cubs
Drew Smyly is sporting a 1-2 record and a 2.79 ERA in 19.1 innings of work so far this season. In his last start, he picked up a loss going 4.2 innings and giving up 2 earned runs with 4 strikeouts vs the Braves. With that start, he is coming off back to back losses looking to bounce back at home.
Even though his statcast page doesn’t look the best, the main thing to watch with Smyly is he has been great at limiting hard contact. He is in the 99th percentile in average exit velocity and 94th percentile in hard hit percent. Even though it’s a little rare, he throws his Curveball 47.8% of the time, but it’s also the pitch he has the best stats with. He has allowed a .205 batting average and a .220 expected batting average with his curve.
As a team, the Cubs are 13th in baseball with a .234 batting average against lefties this season, which ranks them pretty much right at the same place as the Dodgers. The Cubs are hitting .242 in home games this season. Ian Happ has been great vs lefites so far this season hitting .364 in 22 at-bats Also, Happ has been tearing it up home hitting .371. Nico Hoerner has also been pretty good so far hitting .320 in 25 at-bats against lefties this season, and .333 at home.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs MLB Prediction:
I will be taking the Dodgers -.5 runs in the 1st five inning. Simply reason, Clayton Kershaw.
4* Free MLB Pick: Dodgers -.5 F5 Innings
If you’re looking for more MLB picks like this Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs matchup, we’ll be providing 4* free MLB plays on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free MLB Baseball picks!
Register here for a FREE MLB Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!