Dodgers Seek Breakthrough in Cubs Series Amid Skubal Debut and Roster Adjustments The Los Angeles Dodgers are attempting to end a four-game losing streak and avoid a season-worst five-game skid after falling to the Chicago Cubs in a high-scoring series opener. The loss, a 10-5 defeat on Monday, marked the team’s third four-game losing streak of the season and pushed their lead in the National League West down to nine games over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers now aim to rebound in the second of three games against the Cubs, with a pivotal pitching matchup featuring the debut of left-handed ace Tarik Skubal. Skubal, acquired in a blockbuster trade over the weekend for outfield prospect Zyhir Hope and pitching prospects River Ryan and Brady Smith, is set to make his Dodgers debut on Tuesday. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner has been dominant this season, posting a 2.79 ERA and 116 strikeouts over 96.2 innings. Since returning from elbow surgery, he has compiled a 2.87 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 53.1 innings across nine starts. His performance against the Cubs’ lineup will be critical for the Dodgers, who are looking to snap their losing streak. The Cubs will counter with right-handed pitcher Javier Assad, who has a 3.75 ERA across 69.2 innings this season. Assad, who has made 18 appearances (nine starts, nine relief outings), has shown versatility, posting a 3.50 ERA with 32 strikeouts as a starter and a 4.24 ERA with 16 strikeouts in relief. The matchup between Skubal and Assad is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series. In addition to the pitching matchup, the Dodgers made several roster adjustments ahead of Tuesday’s game.#chicago_cubs #los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #javier_assad #national_league_west
