You know what's funny? When I first started tracking Chicago Cubs vs Dodgers games years ago, I thought player stats were just numbers. But after seeing Kris Bryant crush that walk-off homer against Kershaw in 2017? Man, I realized these estadísticas de jugadores de partidos de chicago cubs contra dodgers tell real stories. Like how Anthony Rizzo always hits .300 against them no matter what. Or why some pitchers just implode at Wrigley. Let's dig into what matters.
Why These Matchup Stats Actually Matter
Look, I get it – baseball has endless statistics. But when we analyze estadísticas de jugadores specifically for Cubs-Dodgers games, patterns emerge you won't find elsewhere. Clayton Kershaw's ERA jumps nearly a full run at Wrigley Field (3.42 vs career 2.48). Javier Báez? He batted .412 against LA in their 2017 NLCS showdown. These aren't coincidences.
Last season I traveled to Chavez Ravine for Cubs-Dodgers series. Sat behind home plate watching Cody Bellinger face his old team. You could feel the tension – every pitch mattered differently. That's when matchup stats stop being spreadsheets and start predicting real-game outcomes.
Key Data Points That Change Games
• Pitchers' WHIP with runners in scoring position
• Late-inning batting averages (7th-9th innings)
• Career slugging percentage at specific ballparks
• Performance with 2 outs
• First-pitch strike percentages
Example: Craig Kimbrel blew 4 saves against Dodgers in 2019. His first-pitch strike rate dropped to 48% in those games versus his 62% career average. That tiny stat cost Chicago two wins.
Cubs Hitters Who Own Dodger Pitching
Some guys just have the Dodgers' number. Take Anthony Rizzo – facing LA feels like batting practice for him. Here's proof:
| Player | Career AB vs LAD | Batting Average | Home Runs | OPS | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Rizzo | 182 | .313 | 8 | .932 | Hits .407 vs Kershaw (27 AB) |
| Kris Bryant | 98 | .286 | 5 | .901 | 5 HR in 18 postseason games |
| Ian Happ | 76 | .289 | 4 | .894 | .333 avg at Dodger Stadium |
| Willson Contreras | 68 | .265 | 3 | .823 | 38% hard-hit rate vs LAD |
What surprises me? How poorly some Cubs sluggers hit Dodger pitching. Seiya Suzuki's .194 average across 36 at-bats is baffling considering his career .268 mark. Maybe the pressure gets to him.
Dodgers Pitchers Who Shut Down Cubs
Certain LA pitchers turn Cubs lineups into mush:
- Clayton Kershaw: 2.91 ERA in 24 starts vs CHC, but 4.15 ERA at Wrigley
- Julio Urías: 1.84 ERA in last 5 starts against Cubs
- Evan Phillips: 0.00 ERA in 8 relief appearances
- Bruns Graterol: .182 BAA against Cubs right-handers
Kershaw's splits fascinate me. At Dodger Stadium he dominates Cubs (.208 BAA). But at Wrigley? .288 BAA with 12 HR allowed. The wind? Pressure? Maybe both.
Dodgers Batters Who Feast on Cubs Pitching
Watching Freddie Freeman step into the box against Cubs pitching gives me anxiety. The man's a machine:
| Player | Career AB vs CHC | Batting Average | Home Runs | OPS | Notable Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freddie Freeman | 126 | .341 | 6 | 1.057 | .429 with RISP |
| Mookie Betts | 89 | .292 | 7 | .992 | 5 HR at Wrigley Field |
| Max Muncy | 77 | .273 | 8 | 1.007 | .615 SLG vs lefties |
| Will Smith | 48 | .354 | 3 | 1.089 | .444 in late innings |
Will Smith's numbers shock me. The Cubs catcher-turned-Dodger destroys his former team. Small sample size? Maybe. But his .444 average against Chicago relievers suggests they haven't figured him out.
Cubs Pitchers Who Handle LA's Lineup
Few Cubs pitchers contain Dodgers sluggers consistently:
- Kyle Hendricks: 3.18 ERA in 18 starts, but 1.5 HR/9
- Marcus Stroman: 2.89 ERA in 5 starts since 2022
- Adbert Alzolay: 1.23 ERA in 7 relief appearances
- Mark Leiter Jr.: .143 BAA vs lefties (Freeman/Muncy)
Hendricks' last Wrigley start against LA? Masterful. He held Betts/Freeman/Smith to 1-for-9. That's pitching.
Recent Matchup Trends That Predict Outcomes
Forget career numbers – recent estadísticas de jugadores de partidos de chicago cubs contra dodgers reveal more. Here's 2022-2023 data:
| Stat Category | Cubs Advantage | Dodgers Advantage | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullpen ERA | 3.21 | 2.98 | LA's pen dominates late innings |
| RISP Hitting | .264 | .291 | Dodgers capitalize on opportunities |
| Starter K/9 | 8.6 | 9.8 | LA's rotation misses more bats |
| Defensive Runs Saved | +14 | +32 | Dodgers' fielding prevents rallies |
Park Factor Breakdown
Where games happen changes everything:
Wrigley Field (Chicago)
• Day games: Cubs hit 18% more HR
• Wind blowing out: Run totals increase 37%
• Dodgers pitchers allow .297 BAA in day games
Dodger Stadium (LA)
• Night games: Pitchers' ERA drops 0.83
• Humidity under 50%: Ball travels 8% farther
• Cubs lefties hit .207 compared to .261 at Wrigley
I learned this the hard way betting an over/under without checking humidity. Never again.
Historical Moments That Shaped Stats
Some performances permanently skewed these estadísticas de jugadores. Like the 2016 NLCS:
Javier Báez hit .318 with 2 HR and 5 RBI
Jon Lester posted 1.38 ERA across 13 innings
Kenley Jansen blew Game 1 save allowing 2 runs
Or 2021 when Chris Taylor demolished Cubs pitching: .481 avg, 3 HR in 6 games. Unreal.
Fantasy Baseball Implications
If you play fantasy baseball, these matchup stats are gold. Last season I benched Dansby Swanson against Dodgers lefties. Mistake. He hit .346 against them. Here's who to start/sit:
Start With Confidence
• Ian Happ vs Kershaw (.364 in 22 AB)
• Freddie Freeman vs Stroman (.421 in 19 AB)
• Marcus Stroman at Dodger Stadium (2.08 ERA)
Sit Unless Desperate
• Cody Bellinger vs former team (.184 in 38 AB)
• Jameson Taillon at Chavez Ravine (8.71 ERA)
• Max Muncy vs lefties (.202 in 2023)
Predicting Future Matchups
Based on these estadísticas de jugadores de partidos de chicago cubs contra dodgers, here's what I expect:
- Freeman will continue tormenting Cubs pitching (.341 career)
- Cubs bullpen will struggle against Dodgers' patient lineup (3.9 BB/9)
- Wrigley day games will produce 9+ total runs (67% since 2020)
But stats can't measure everything. Like when a rookie call-up changes a series. Or when playoff pressure warps numbers. That's baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most important stat for Cubs vs Dodgers matchups?
Bullpen ERAs. 80% of games since 2021 were decided after the 6th inning.
Which player has the best career numbers in this matchup?
Freddie Freeman's 1.057 OPS leads all active players.
Do ballparks significantly impact these player stats?
Massively. Dodger Stadium suppresses runs by 14% compared to Wrigley Field.
How reliable are these stats for betting?
Very – Cubs are 21-9 when starters go 6+ innings. Dodgers are 28-5 when scoring first.
Where can I find real-time updates during games?
MLB At Bat app provides live batter vs pitcher stats during plate appearances.
Final Thoughts on These Player Stats
After tracking cubs vs dodgers estadísticas de jugadores for years, here's my take: They reveal tendencies, not destiny. Rizzo will likely keep hitting LA well. Kershaw will probably struggle at Wrigley. But baseball loves surprises.
Last August I watched a no-name Cubs reliever strike out Betts, Freeman, and Smith in order. His career ERA against them before that? 9.00. That's why we watch. The numbers tell a story – until they don't.
Use these estadísticas de jugadores de partidos de chicago cubs contra dodgers as guides, not gospel. Because when Dodgers third-base coach Dino Ebel sends Mookie Betts home on a shallow fly ball? No stat measures that gamble. That's human baseball.
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