The Chicago Cubs host the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on Monday, August 3, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 8:05 PM ET. Matthew Boyd gets the ball for Chicago against one of the most formidable lineups in baseball, a Dodgers order that slots Shohei Ohtani at the top and runs Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Kyle Tucker through the heart of it. This is exactly the kind of marquee home matchup that tests where this Cubs club truly stands.

Starting Pitchers: Matthew Boyd vs. TBD for Los Angeles

Boyd draws the assignment on the mound for the Cubs. The Dodgers had not announced a confirmed starter as of preview time, which adds a layer of uncertainty to Chicago's preparation but doesn't change the calculus much — Los Angeles has the depth to throw quality arms regardless of who gets the nod. Boyd's job is simple in concept and demanding in execution: keep the Dodgers' high-powered offense off the board long enough to give Chicago a chance to work through that bullpen.

Cubs Lineup: Crow-Armstrong Leads Off, Bregman Slots Third

Manager's card has Pete Crow-Armstrong leading off in center, with Seiya Suzuki batting second in right. Alex Bregman hits third as the designated hitter, giving the Cubs a seasoned presence in the middle of the order. Carson Kelly catches and bats cleanup, followed by Michael Busch at first base. Nico Hoerner slots in at second batting sixth, with Pedro Ramírez at third, Dansby Swanson at short, and Kevin Alcántara rounding out the order in left field.

Dodgers Lineup: A Top-to-Bottom Threat

Los Angeles brings a lineup that demands respect from the first batter to the ninth. Ohtani leads off as the designated hitter — a statement in itself. Andy Pages follows in center, Tommy Edman hits third, and Freddie Freeman bats cleanup at first base. Mookie Betts, now at shortstop, hits fifth. Kyle Tucker comes in at six in right field, Teoscar Hernández bats seventh in left, Enrique Hernández takes the eight hole at third, and Eliezer Alfonzo catches and bats ninth. There is no soft landing in that order.

Keys to Watch at Wrigley Field

• Boyd's command against elite contact hitters: Freeman, Betts, and Tucker are all capable of doing damage to any pitcher. Boyd will need to work ahead in counts and avoid leaving pitches elevated.
• Ohtani in the leadoff spot: Getting through the top of the Dodgers order without damage sets the tone. Letting Ohtani reach base with the lineup turning over behind him is a recipe for a long night.
• Crow-Armstrong at the top: The Cubs need their leadoff man to be a problem for the Dodgers pitcher. PCA's ability to get on base and create early pressure matters in a game like this.
• Bullpen management: If Boyd is working against an unknown Dodgers starter, Chicago's relief depth could be a decisive factor in the late innings.

Prediction

This is a tough draw. The Dodgers lineup is built to punish any mistake, and with their starting pitcher still unannounced, Los Angeles has flexibility Chicago doesn't. Boyd needs a quality start — six innings, three runs or fewer — for the Cubs to stay in it. Chicago's lineup has enough pieces to put up a fight, but it will take a full team effort and some timely hitting from Bregman and Busch to get the job done. Expect a competitive game that could go either way into the seventh. Edge to the Dodgers, but Wrigley crowds have pushed this team before. Cubs 4, Dodgers 6.