Chicago Cubs: How the Cubs stack up against NL contenders

Los Angeles Dodgers

Record (as of Sept. 27): 90-66, NL West Champion

Home Record: 53-28

Away Record: 37-38

One Run Games: 22-19

Versus Cubs: 3-4

Team ERA: 3.62 (4th in NL)

Batting Average Against: .230 (2nd in NL)

The Los Angeles Dodgers can pitch. Even with pitching ace Clayton Kershaw missing a significant portion of the season, the Dodgers are still the fourth best staff in the National League.

More from Chicago Cubs News

• Cubs: Adrian Sampson is forcing his way into the conversation
• Projecting the Chicago Cubs bullpen to open the 2023 season
• Cubs fans are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel
• Justin Steele has evolved into a frontline starter for the Cubs
• The future of first base is murky right now for the Cubs

They started 15 different pitchers during the entire season, including an impressive rookie Julio Urias. What is most concerning for teams in the playoffs is that the Dodgers boasts arguably the best bullpen in the NL.

The offense of the Dodgers is just as impressive. Four players have hit 24 or more home runs. Corey Seager could and should be the NL Rookie of the Year. However, seven regular position players strikeout at a high rate, with 90 or more strikeouts on the year.

In the games against the Cubs, the Dodgers were outscored 16-19. The Cubs won three of the four games at Wrigley in May and June, but lost two of three in Los Angeles. The wild card for the Dodgers if they face the Cubs? Clayton Kershaw has not faced the Cubs this year.