The Los Angeles Dodgers travel to Wrigley Field on Tuesday, August 4, for a 8:05 PM ET showdown against the Chicago Cubs. Tarik Skubal gets the start for Los Angeles against Chicago's Javier Assad in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup at one of baseball's most storied venues. With the Dodgers rolling out their full arsenal of offensive talent — Shohei Ohtani leading off, Freddie Freeman hitting third, and Kyle Tucker slotted into the middle of the order — this is a lineup capable of putting pressure on any staff, any night.

Dodgers vs. Cubs Pitching Matchup: Skubal vs. Assad

Tarik Skubal carries the load for Los Angeles. The left-hander has established himself as one of the more dangerous starters in the game, and the Dodgers will lean on him to set the tone early at Clark and Addison. Skubal's ability to miss bats and keep the ball in the park makes him a genuine handful for a Cubs lineup that can generate offense.

Javier Assad draws the assignment for Chicago. The right-hander has proven he can compete against top lineups, but the task in front of him Tuesday is a steep one. Keeping Ohtani, Freeman, and Max Muncy in check for six or seven innings is a tall order by any measure.

Dodgers Lineup Keys to Watch at Wrigley Field

• Shohei Ohtani leading off: Ohtani at the top of the order gives Los Angeles an immediate threat — his combination of on-base ability and power from the leadoff spot can flip a game before most lineups even get going.
• Freddie Freeman in the middle: Freeman hitting third is a stabilizing force. He punishes mistakes and has the plate discipline to work counts against a starter trying to navigate a lineup this deep.
• Mookie Betts at shortstop: Betts hitting fifth and playing shortstop keeps his bat in a high-leverage spot in the order. He's the kind of hitter who can change an inning in a single at-bat.
• Kyle Tucker's presence: Tucker slotted into the six hole gives Los Angeles a dangerous middle-of-the-order bat that opponents cannot simply pitch around given what's hitting directly ahead of him.
• Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong: The young center fielder leading off for Chicago brings speed and energy to the top of Chicago's lineup. He's capable of creating early momentum for the home side if Skubal isn't sharp from the first pitch.

Chicago Cubs Lineup to Watch

The Cubs counter with a lineup that has teeth. Seiya Suzuki hitting second and Alex Bregman batting third give Chicago legitimate middle-of-the-order firepower. Bregman, now with the Cubs, brings postseason experience and a disciplined approach that can grind out at-bats against quality starters. Dansby Swanson adds another veteran presence in the seven hole, and Miguel Amaya rounds out the nine spot behind the plate.

Prediction: Dodgers Win a Low-Scoring Road Game

This one leans on pitching, and Skubal is well-suited to handle a night at Wrigley. The Dodgers have the lineup to scratch out enough runs against Assad — Ohtani in particular is the kind of hitter who can manufacture a lead even when the Cubs starter is working well. Look for Los Angeles to grind out a 3-2 victory behind Skubal and a bullpen that closes the door late. Tune in on SportsNet LA or TBS, or catch it on Dodgers Radio AM570.