The Los Angeles Dodgers have the edge in the race for the National League’s West Division, but they want something more: the best record in baseball. They look to take a step toward that goal on Monday when they face the Chicago Cubs at home.

Kyle Hendricks starts for Chicago. Hendricks had a 2024 to forget with a 6.60 ERA and 1.7 home runs and 2.8 walks per nine innings. He allowed at least three runs in five of his last eight appearances.

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In addition, Hendricks’ ERA on the road rises to 7.89. He faces a Dodgers team that ranks second in the National League with 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 an ERA of 5.67 and a fielding independent rating of 6.05. He has also allowed 2.2 home runs and 3.3 walks per nine innings.

Through Sunday, the Dodgers bullpen, which will likely see a lot of action in this game, had a 4.38 ERA since July 1, ranking 19th in the league.

Since the All-Star break, both teams have had similar success at bat. 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 points in their respective series over the weekend, Monday’s clash of starting pitchers should get both offenses back in shape.

MLB tip: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers over 9 runs

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