The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers open a marquee National League matchup Friday night, with Chicago bringing red-hot momentum into Dodger Stadium against the defending champions. MORE: 5 MLB players who should be traded during the 2026 season

The Chicago Cubs begin the 2026 regular season when they host the Washington Nationals on opening day on Thursday. The Cubs are coming off a solid spring training in Mesa, Ariz., with the goal of getting back to the playoffs for the second straight season.

Zac Gallen kept that skid alive with a rough outing against the Cubs. Baseball HQ: Projections and analysis to power your fantasy baseball season. But there were two plays that seemed seared into Lovullo’s mind as he spoke to reporters after the game.

Ian Happ hit a long home run and five Chicago Cubs pitchers combined for a 2-0 shutout of the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night, snapping a four-game losing streak.

Chicago Cubs top prospect Jaxon Wiggins is currently on the shelf due to elbow inflammation, an injury that surfaced after his second minor-league outing of the season on April 4.