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.

• Date: August 5th, 2025

• Time: 8:05 PM ET

• Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

• 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

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.

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.

• Ian Gibaut

• Hunter Greene

• Wade Miley

• Rhett Lowder

• Jameson Taillon

• Javier Assad

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.

• Winner Odds: Cubs – 1.57 | Reds – 2.48

• Date: August 5th, 2025

• Time: 08:05 PM ET (August 6)

• Location: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX

• Yankees: Second in the AL East, attempting to close the division gap

• Rangers: Hovering around .500, still within striking distance of a Wild Card

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.

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.

Yankees:

• Ryan Yarbrough

• Fernando Cruz

• Jake Burger

• Evan Carter

• Jacob Webb

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.

Winner Odds: Yankees – 1.76 | Rangers – 2.17

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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.