Published Apr 1, 7:32am ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 1, 7:32am ET
Shutterstock
Updated Apr 1, 7:32am ET
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| Chicago Cubs | -171 |
| Los Angeles Angels | +141 |
Yusei Kikuchi enters his second start of 2026, trying to build on the success of his first Angels season. The southpaw went 7-11 with a 3.99 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 1.8 bWAR across 178.1 innings in 2025, earning his second All-Star selection.
Kikuchi tied for the American League lead with 33 starts and posted 174 strikeouts, but his 1.42 WHIP revealed the traffic issues that plagued him all season. He allowed eight hits over 4.1 innings against Houston in his 2026 debut, showing the same command struggles that limited his effectiveness last year.
Mike Trout is scorching hot at with two homers and three RBIS through five games, looking every bit like the three-time MVP of old.
Jorge Soler has been a true slugger for the team. Batting only at a .174 average, but is currently in the top 15 in the league in RBIs at 5.
Matthew Boyd's stellar 2025 campaign earned him Opening Day honors, but the lefty's season debut was a disaster. After going 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 2.5 bWAR in 179.2 innings, Boyd was shelled for six runs on six hits and a walk in just 3.2 innings against Washington.
The 35-year-old All-Star showed signs of fatigue down the stretch last year, posting a 5.31 ERA in September after carrying the rotation through the summer. His 154 strikeouts demonstrated solid stuff, but the abbreviated Opening Day outing raised questions about whether last year's workload took a toll.
On the other side of the mound, the Cubs lineup presents a stiff test for Kikuchi's slider-heavy approach. Alex Bregman has already launched two home runs in his Cubs debut series and thrives against lefties who leave pitches over the plate. Kikuchi's flyball tendencies and Wrigley's wind could spell trouble if the Cubs get him elevated.
Boyd's Opening Day collapse creates value for the Angels. The Cubs' lefty allowed six runs and couldn't escape the fourth inning against Washington. Boyd has shown susceptibility to power lineup, and the Angels have a lot of slugging power on their team. Our pick is the Angels +141.
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Pick
Angels +141
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