The Los Angeles Dodgers are the bosses of the National League West division, but they are chasing an even bigger prize: the best record in baseball. They will look to take a step forward in that quest when they take on the Chicago Cubs at home on Monday.

Kyle Hendricks gets the start for Chicago. Hendricks has had a forgettable 2024 with a 6.60 ERA, allowing 1.7 home runs and 2.8 walks per nine innings. He has allowed at least three runs in five of his last eight appearances.

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Additionally, Hendricks’ ERA jumps to 7.89 on the road, against a Dodgers lineup that ranks second in the National League in scoring at nearly five runs per game.

Walker Buehler starts for the Dodgers. Buehler’s recovery from a second Tommy John surgery has not gone well this season. He has a 5.67 ERA with an even higher 6.05 fielding independent. He has also allowed 2.2 home runs and 3.3 walks per nine innings.

The Dodgers’ bullpen, which will likely see a lot of action in this game, has a 4.38 ERA since July 1, which ranks 19th in the league.

Since the All-Star Break, both teams have enjoyed similar success at the plate. The Dodgers are third in the National League with just over 5.1 runs per game. The Cubs are a close fourth with just under 5.1 runs per game.

After both teams struggled to score in their series last weekend, Monday’s starting pitching contest should get both offensive teams back on track.

MLB Pick: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers by 9 Runs

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