Written by: Michael Rivera
Michael is a data-driven baseball enthusiast who specializes in pitch analytics and betting trends.
Cubs vs Angels: Betting Preview & Props (Aug 23)
Last updated: August 23, 2025Game Time: 8/23, 09:38PM
Game Overview
The Chicago Cubs face off against the Los Angeles Angels in this intriguing MLB matchup. With the Cubs as a -150 favorite and the Angels as a +123 underdog, 96% of betting money is backing the Cubs to win. Key pitching performances will be critical as both teams look to leverage their arsenals against the opposing lineups.
Pitcher Breakdown
Pitching Matchup: Cade Horton vs Victor Mederos
Cade Horton (CHC):
Four-Seam Fastball (50% usage, 95.7 mph); Sweeper (21% usage, 83.6 mph); Changeup (13% usage, 87.8 mph); Curveball (11% usage, 84.0 mph); Sinker (5% usage, 95.0 mph); Slider (0% usage, 83.4 mph)Cade Horton is a velocity-heavy pitcher with an impressive mix of fastballs and breaking pitches. The Angels' lineup averages .239 this season with a projected xBA of .227 against Horton's arsenal.
Victor Mederos (LAA):
Sinker (48% usage, 94.9 mph); Slider (28% usage, 89.1 mph); Sweeper (19% usage, 82.0 mph); Changeup (5% usage, 88.1 mph)Victor Mederos relies on a heavy sinker complemented by a robust slider. The Cubs' lineup averages .253 this season but projects to .264 against Mederos' arsenal.
Lineup Matchups
Lineup Matchups & Batting Edges
For the Cubs vs Victor Mederos:
- The Cubs lineup averages .253 this season but projects to .264 against Mederos' arsenal.
- Biggest Increase: Ian Happ: Season BA .230 → xBA vs arsenal .299 (+69 points), Season K% 22.3% → Arsenal K% 18.6% (-3.7%)
- Biggest Decrease: Michael Busch: Season BA .260 → xBA vs arsenal .219 (-41 points), Season K% 24.6% → Arsenal K% 25.8% (+1.2%)
For the Angels vs Cade Horton:
- The Angels lineup averages .239 this season, projecting to .227 against Horton's arsenal.
- Biggest Increase: Jo Adell: Season BA .232 → xBA vs arsenal .253 (+21 points), Season K% 26.2% → Arsenal K% 29.3% (+3.1%)
- Biggest Decrease: Bryce Teodosio: Season BA .250 → xBA vs arsenal .197 (-53 points), Season K% 36.0% → Arsenal K% 36.5% (+0.5%)
Whiff Outlook
Strikeout Risks & Rewards
- The Cubs' projected K-rate is 19.9% vs Victor Mederos — down 0.3% from their 20.2% season average.
- The Angels' projected K-rate is 29.2% vs Cade Horton — up 1.9% from their 27.3% season average.
Umpire Influence
Behind the Plate: Umpire assignment has not been announced, which makes prop volatility a concern.
What to Bet On
📢 Prop Alert: Ian Happ (.230 → .299, +69 points) meets betting lean criteria!
⚡ K Prop Alert: Cade Horton strikeout OVER - Angels' K-rate jumps to 29.2% vs this arsenal!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Ian Happ shows a significant batting advantage against Victor Mederos, making him a prime candidate for prop betting.
- Cade Horton’s arsenal projects a higher strikeout rate against the Angels, suggesting an opportunity for a strikeout prop bet.
- With umpire details unavailable, the game carries an additional layer of unpredictability for props.
- Back the Cubs' pitching edge, particularly Horton’s strikeout potential, as a key betting angle.
🧠 FAQs
Q: Who is the best betting prop for the Cubs vs Angels game? A: Ian Happ is the best prop candidate, showing a significant batting advantage.
Q: Is the umpire pitcher-friendly? A: Umpire assignment has not been announced, adding uncertainty to the matchup.
Q: What time is the Cubs vs Angels game? A: The game is scheduled for 8/23, 09:38PM.
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