It's a new dawn for the Chicago Cubs, but an ominous one. The Cubs' struggles continue as they face the resurgent Los Angeles Angels in a pivotal series. Matthew Boyd's early-season woes and Shota Imanaga's control issues looming, but the spotlight shines brightest on Edward Cabrera, the new pitcher poised to turn the tide for the Cubs.
Edward Cabrera: The Cubs' New Ace?
Edward Cabrera, the pitcher who made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2021, was traded to the Cubs over the winter. This season, he is making his debut with the Cubs in a matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. He finished the 2025 season with a 3.53 ERA.
Cabrera's effectiveness against the Angels is a variable. Current members of the Angels have a small sample size against Cabrera, batting 5-for-28 (.179) against him. Cabrera’s debut for the Cubs is more than just a pitching performance; it's a litmus test for his ability to adapt to a new team and situation.
But Cabrera’s performance isn’t just about his stats. His effectiveness against the Angels’ lineup will be crucial. The Angels' batting is unpredictable and the Cubs need strong pitching to contain their offense.
Starting Lineups and Matchup Details
The Cubs, now 1-2, will face the Angels, who stand at 2-2. The game is slated for 7:40 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network. The pitching matchup sees Ryan Johnson of the Angels against Edward Cabrera of the Cubs.
Johnson, who went 1-1 with a 7.36 ERA in 2025, will face Cabrera, who has shown promise with a 3.53 ERA in the previous season.
This matchup is a classic battle of the bullpen. Johnson, with a 1.98 WHIP and 9.8 K/9, will be a formidable opponent for Cabrera, who needs to maintain his composure and control the game from the start.
Pivotal Moment for Cubs' Revival
Edward Cabrera’s debut is more than a single game. It's a pivotal moment for the Cubs' season.
A successful outing by Cabrera could boost the team's morale and set the tone for the rest of the series. The Cubs need a strong performance from their new pitcher to turn around their early-season slump, especially after their loss to the Nationals.
It's a crucial series for the Cubs, who need to shake off their early struggles and regain their footing. The Angels, with their unpredictable batting, present a formidable challenge, and this series will test the Cubs' mettle. Edward Cabrera’s performance will be the key.
Will Cabrera be the ace the Cubs need to turn the tide, or will the Angels' unpredictability prove too much to handle? The pitching matchup is set, and the stage is ready. Edward Cabrera steps onto the mound, and the Cubs' fate hangs in the balance.
Think again. 'The Cubs need to find a way to win this series,' said an anonymous scout. 'It's a small sample size, but Cabrera has shown promise. If he can keep the Angels' lineup in check, the Cubs have a shot.'
