Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Angels – Series Preview (March 30-April 1): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (1–2) began the regular season dropping two out of three games to a Washington Nationals team that is expected to struggle in 2026. It was a bit of a disappointing start at Wrigley Field, but all of that can be forgotten very quickly given the number of games remaining.
Chicago hopes to rebound against another team with low preseason expectations, the Angels (2–2), who come to the Friendly Confines for a three-game series starting Monday night. They finished the 2025 season with 90 losses and hired former MLB catcher Kurt Suzuki to be their new manager.
Los Angeles did not have a very good offense last season with a .693 team OPS that was ranked 23rd in baseball. One area in which they were not lacking was power, as their 225 home runs ranked fourth in MLB. Part of that home run hitting is undoubtedly thanks to superstar OF Mike Trout, who is still great when not limited by injury.
Former Cub Jorge Soler and former White Sox infielder Yoán Moncada are two other hitters in the lineup that can do damage for the Halos. Former top prospect Jo Adell broke out in 2025 with 37 home runs to lead the team.
The Angels’ pitching was not good last season with a 4.89 team ERA that was ahead of only the Nationals and the Rockies. José Soriano is the de facto ace of the staff, and former Mariners lefty Yusei Kikuchi also has a rotation spot.
Jordan Romano is the closer for Los Angeles with Kirby Yates on the injured list. Old friend Drew Pomeranz signed in the offseason and will see action in the ‘pen.
The Angels began the season splitting a four-game series with the Astros in Houston, so they aren’t a pushover. The Cubs had an uneven first series, which can happen coming out of the gates in a new season, but it would be nice if they could take this set and get things back to even before they head out on the road for the first time.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, March 30 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Tuesday, March 31 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, April 1 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers (2025 numbers)
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 3/30 | Edward Cabrera | 27 | R | 3.53 | 8-7 | 3.83 | 3.13 |
| Ryan Johnson | 23 | R | 7.36 | 1–1 | 5.52 | 3.20 | |
| 3/31 | Jameson Taillon | 34 | R | 3.68 | 11-7 | 4.65 | 3.63 |
| José Soriano | 27 | R | 4.26 | 10-11 | 3.73 | 1.95 | |
| 4/1 | Matthew Boyd | 35 | L | 3.21 | 14-8 | 3.65 | 3.67 |
| Yusei Kikuchi | 34 | L | 3.99 | 7-11 | 4.23 | 2.35 |
What to Watch For
- Boyd had a rough opening start, giving up six runs in a loss to the Nats.
- Alex Bregman hit his first two Cubs home runs on Sunday.
- Cabrera makes his team debut Monday night.
- Miguel Amaya had two RBI and a home run in his first game Saturday.
