The interleague series between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers arrives at Dodger Stadium on Friday, April 24, 2026, with both clubs performing like legitimate World Series contenders. The Cubs (15-9) enter the weekend on a scorching run, having won nine of their last ten games, while the Dodgers (16-8) look to defend home turf after a somewhat inconsistent road trip. This matchup features a high-level battle of right-handers: the Cubs’ steady veteran Jameson Taillon and the Dodgers’ high-octane youngster Emmet Sheehan.
The Pitching Breakdown
Jameson Taillon (CHC): Taillon has been a pillar of stability for Chicago’s rotation. Through four starts in 2026, he carries a 3.97 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, showing he can still effectively navigate elite lineups. He is coming off a sharp performance against the Mets, where he allowed only one run over six innings. Taillon’s game is built on a diverse six-pitch mix that emphasizes command over raw power. Historically, Taillon has fared well in pitcher-friendly environments, and his 1.06 WHIP from the 2025 season remains a testament to his ability to suppress hits and walks. For Taillon, the key tonight is the first inning—avoiding the “big home run” against a top-heavy Dodgers order will be paramount.
Emmet Sheehan (LAD): Across the diamond, Sheehan offers a completely different profile. The 26-year-old righty possesses some of the most electric stuff in the Dodgers’ rotation, but his 2026 season has been defined by high-variance outings. While he carries a 5.85 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP, his strikeout-per-nine remains near the top of the league. Sheehan is coming off a gritty five-inning outing at Colorado where he allowed two runs, a significant improvement from a rocky start to the month. Sheehan’s fastball has elite “rise” that often leads to fly-ball outs, making him a dangerous matchup for a Cubs lineup that can occasionally be prone to the strikeout.
Best Bets for April 24
1. Chicago Cubs Moneyline (+137) The value tonight lies with the visitors. The Cubs are currently the hottest team in the National League, backed by an offense that ranks in the top five for runs scored. While Sheehan has the higher ceiling, Taillon provides a much safer floor, especially considering the Dodgers’ injury-depleted bullpen. With the Cubs gaining a significant underdog price despite their recent 9-1 run, they are the clear choice for bettors seeking value.
2. Over 9.5 Total Runs (-103) Dodger Stadium typically plays neutral, but both offenses are currently firing on all cylinders. The Dodgers have maintained a high run production rate (5.83 per game) throughout April, and the Cubs have scored 11 or more runs in two of their last five road games. Given Sheehan’s susceptibility to the long ball and Taillon’s contact-heavy approach, expect a back-and-forth affair that clears this total in the late innings.
3. Jameson Taillon Over 4.5 Strikeouts (-120) Taillon has recorded at least four strikeouts in every start this season, including a 10-strikeout masterclass earlier this month against Pittsburgh. The Dodgers’ lineup, while elite, features several high-strikeout profiles at the bottom of the order. If Taillon can pitch into the sixth inning as he has consistently done this year, he should clear this mark with ease.
The Sharp Edge: Keep an eye on the Dodgers’ middle relief availability. With stars like Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol on the IL, Los Angeles has struggled to bridge the gap between their starters and the ninth inning. If this game is tied in the seventh, the Cubs’ superior bullpen “strand rate” makes them a live-betting favorite.
Baseball Best Bets 