Introduction
As we enter the first week of August, all the games begin to feel like October. As playoff races are closing in both leagues, August 5 features two must-see contests: the Chicago Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field, and the Texas Rangers play the New York Yankees in Arlington under the lights.
Each of the teams is heading in with a different agenda and some battling to secure Wild Card spots, others trying to prove that they are still in the picture.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs
Match Details
Date: August 5th, 2025
Time: 8:05 PM ET
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Team Form & Standings
Reds: Struggling for a Wild Card spot, just over .500
Cubs: Playing strong at home, making their charge towards the top of the NL Central
Key Players to Watch
The Cubs have been steady at home and possess one of the healthier team ERAs in the National League. The Reds want to stick with the arm of their most reliable starter and timely hitting from their young nucleus.
Pitching Matchup – Stat Breakdown
| Pitcher | Team | W–L | ERA | WHIP | IP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Lodolo (LHP) | Reds | 8–6 | 3.09 | 1.05 | 128.2 | 123 |
| Michael Soroka (RHP) | Cubs | 3–8 | 4.87 | 1.13 | 81.1 | 87 |
Matchup Analysis:
Lodolo has remained steady, especially away from home, issuing minimal walks and striking out batters with impressive frequency. Soroka, making his debut for the Cubs, has shown control but needs to hone more consistent rhythm. This pitching edge favors the Reds.
Injury Reports
Reds:
Ian Gibaut
Hunter Greene
Wade Miley
Rhett Lowder
Cubs:
Jameson Taillon
Javier Assad
What to Look Out For
Lodolo will look to continue its effective strikeout-to-walk ratios. If the Cubs' offense cannot break through early, then it will be a long night for Chicago. Keep an eye out for Chicago's aggressive base-running in an effort to upset Lodolo's rhythm.
Current Betting Odds (via Stake.com)
Winner Odds: Cubs – 1.57 | Reds – 2.48
New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers
Game Details
Date: August 5th, 2025
Time: 08:05 PM ET (August 6)
Location: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
Team Form & Standings
Yankees: Second in the AL East, attempting to close the division gap
Rangers: Hovering around .500, still within striking distance of a Wild Card
Key Players to Watch
Both teams possess veteran-laden lineups with power potential. The contest will hinge on which opener can maintain control of the zone and prevent early damage.
Pitching Matchup – Stat Breakdown
| Pitcher | Team | W–L | ERA | WHIP | IP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Fried (LHP) | Yankees | 12–4 | 2.62 | 1.03 | 134.2 | 125 |
| Patrick Corbin (LHP) | Rangers | 6–7 | 3.78 | 1.27 | 109.2 | 93 |
Matchup Analysis:
Fried has been the most dominant starter in the American League, consistently going deep into games causing minimal damage. Corbin, while improved in 2025, has been erratic. The Rangers will need to give him early run support if they're going to have hope.
Injury Updates
Yankees:
Ryan Yarbrough
Fernando Cruz
Rangers:
Jake Burger
Evan Carter
Jacob Webb
What to Watch For
The Yankees will try to ride Fried's hot hand while continuing to apply pressure to Texas middle relievers. The Rangers will pray that Corbin doesn't surrender the long ball and leave the game within striking distance during the later portion of the game.
Current Betting Odds (via Stake.com)
Winner Odds: Yankees – 1.76 | Rangers – 2.17
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Final Thoughts
Reds vs. Cubs: The pitching advantage goes to Cincinnati with Lodolo on the hill. If their bats can generate early run support, the Reds could silence Wrigley faithfully.
Yankees vs. Rangers: The Yankees should enter as slight favorites with Fried on the mound and offense to back him up. However, if Corbin holds up, Texas could make things competitive in their home stadium.
With two high-leverage games and stakes in the postseason, August 5 is shaping up to be another great evening of MLB action.
