Written by: Ryan Chen
Ryan combines advanced statistics with traditional scouting to identify profitable betting opportunities.
Cubs vs Angels: Betting Preview & Props (Aug 24)
Last updated: August 24, 2025
Game Time: 8/24, 04:07PM
Brief Intro
The Chicago Cubs head to Southern California to face the Los Angeles Angels in a matchup that sees the Cubs as solid favorites. DraftKings lists the Cubs at -151, while the Angels are home underdogs at +124, with a whopping 91% of the money backing the Cubs. This game promises intriguing pitching matchups and lineup dynamics worth a closer look.
Rotation Report
Pitching Matchup: Jameson Taillon vs Kyle Hendricks
Jameson Taillon (CHC):
- Arsenal: Four-Seam Fastball (39% usage, 92.3 mph), Sweeper (16% usage, 80.3 mph), Curveball (15% usage, 79.7 mph), Cutter (13% usage, 86.0 mph), Changeup (10% usage, 84.3 mph), Sinker (6% usage, 92.4 mph)
Jameson Taillon relies heavily on a diverse pitch mix, utilizing a blend of fastballs and breaking pitches to keep hitters off balance. The Angels lineup has struggled this year, averaging .226, but with Taillon’s arsenal, they project an xBA of .223875, indicating potential continued struggles.
Kyle Hendricks (LAA):
- Arsenal: Changeup (38% usage, 79.3 mph), Sinker (38% usage, 86.2 mph), Four-Seam (16% usage, 86.5 mph), Curveball (8% usage, 71.9 mph)
Kyle Hendricks is known for his finesse and command, focusing on lower velocity and movement. The Cubs lineup, which averages .252 this season, projects to improve slightly to an xBA of .26 against Hendricks’ pitching style.
Offensive Breakdown
Lineup Matchups & Batting Edges
For Cubs vs Kyle Hendricks:
- The Cubs lineup averages .252 but projects to .260 against Hendricks’ arsenal.
- Biggest Increase: Ian Happ: Season BA .227 → xBA vs arsenal .278 (+51 points), Season K% 22.0% → Arsenal K% 17.2% (-4.8%)
- Biggest Decrease: Kyle Tucker: Season BA .262 → xBA vs arsenal .194 (-68 points), Season K% 14.3% → Arsenal K% 19.0% (+4.7%)
For Angels vs Jameson Taillon:
- The Angels lineup averages .226 but projects to .224 against Taillon’s arsenal.
- Biggest Increase: Jo Adell: Season BA .236 → xBA vs arsenal .262 (+26 points), Season K% 26.0% → Arsenal K% 27.8% (+1.8%)
- Biggest Decrease: Bryce Teodosio: Season BA .224 → xBA vs arsenal .180 (-44 points), Season K% 32.1% → Arsenal K% 27.3% (-4.8%)
Contact vs Strikeout Profile
Strikeout Risks & Rewards
- The Cubs’ projected K-rate is 20.5% vs Hendricks — up 0.2% from their 20.2% season average.
- The Angels’ projected K-rate is 28.9% vs Taillon — up 0.1% from their 28.8% 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: Seiya Suzuki (.243 → .293, +50 points) meets betting lean criteria!
- ⚡ K Prop Alert: No significant statistical edges meet our betting threshold for strikeout props in this matchup.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Ian Happ shows a significant batting advantage against Hendricks, making him a player to watch.
- The Cubs’ lineup projects to improve slightly against Hendricks, while the Angels might struggle against Taillon’s mix.
- Umpire details are not available, adding uncertainty to the prop betting environment.
- Betting lean favors Seiya Suzuki based on his projected xBA increase.
🧠 FAQs
Q: Who is the best betting prop for the Cubs vs Angels game? A: Seiya Suzuki stands out with a strong projected xBA increase against Hendricks.
Q: Is the umpire a pitcher-friendly umpire? A: Umpire assignment is TBA, making it difficult to assess tendencies.
Q: What time is the Cubs vs Angels game? A: The game is scheduled for 8/24, 04:07PM.
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