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The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers will wrap up the Tokyo Series on Wednesday morning.
First pitch from the Tokyo Dome is scheduled for 6:10 a.m. ET.
Wednesday’s tilt features the MLB debut of Roki Sasaki, the latest Japanese star to make the leap from the NPB. Sasaki, 23, is ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the sport by MLB.com.
Justin Steele is slated to toe the rubber for the Cubs, who are a +125 underdog at bet365.
Read our preview for Wednesday morning’s action and get in on the fun with an exclusive bonus code from bet365 below.
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Cubs vs. Dodgers odds
| Team | Run line | Odds | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodgers | -1.5 (+110) | -150 | o8 (-115) |
| Cubs | +1.5 (-130) | +125 | u8 (-105) |
Cubs vs. Dodgers betting preview
Betting on baseball is a marathon, but some games are more fun to handicap than others.
Wednesday’s tilt fits that bill, as you’ve got a relative unknown, Sasaki, making his MLB debut in his home country.
Perhaps saying he’s a relative unknown is unfair, as Sasaki was a force to be reckoned with in Japan. FanGraphs projects Sasaki for a 3.66 ERA, 3.3 WAR and 11 K/9 in his rookie campaign.
Despite his pedigree and the optimistic projections, this is still a pressure-cooker of a spot for Sasaki – especially since it’s taking place in Japan.
Sasaki is clearly the A-side of this pitching matchup, but don’t overlook his opposite number on Wednesday.
Steele may not be a household name, but he was quietly effective for the Cubs in 2024. The 29-year-old posted a 3.07 ERA in 134.2 innings and his batted-ball profile is terrific.
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Cubs vs. Dodgers pick
All eyes are going to be on Sasaki and the Dodgers on Wednesday, but bettors can’t get caught up in the hype.
The truth is we just don’t know how Sasaki will fare against major leaguers, and he’s going up against a formidable opponent.
The Dodgers’ offense is primed to wreak havoc on the MLB this season, but Steele was terrific in limiting hard contact in 2024 and should provide a tough test for Los Angeles in this spot.
Sasaki and the Dodgers may be the sexy pick, but that doesn’t make it the right one.
Pick: Cubs moneyline (+125, bet365)
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Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.