Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
First pitch: 9:40 p.m. ET (6:40 p.m. local; ARID / Marquee Sports Network)
Venue & Weather
Chase Field (retractable roof, natural grass). Typical late-August Phoenix conditions feature highs in the mid-to-upper 90s or higher during the day with low humidity and minimal precipitation chance. The roof is frequently closed for night games in extreme heat, creating controlled indoor conditions with limited weather impact on play. Light winds expected if open.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: RHP Kevin Gausman (6-11, 4.58 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 143.1 IP, 143 K, 40 BB, 18 HR)
Experienced veteran with solid strikeout numbers but a higher ERA this season. Day-to-day with a recent left-hand cramp (listed as probable). Capable of limiting damage when sharp but has been inconsistent.
Diamondbacks: RHP Merrill Kelly (8-11, 5.37 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 129.0 IP, 84 K, 57 BB, 26 HR)
Higher ERA and WHIP with elevated home-run rate. Solid innings-eater historically but struggling more in 2026. Walks and hard contact have been issues.
Slight edge to Gausman on pedigree and control, though both carry elevated ERAs.
Current Rosters / Key Players
Cubs key contributors:
Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF, MVP candidate with high AVG ~.279–.281, 32+ HR, strong RBI and stolen bases), Seiya Suzuki (OF, power/production), Nico Hoerner (2B, contact/speed), Alex Bregman (3B), Ian Happ or other OF depth, Dansby Swanson (SS, when healthy). Strong on-base skills and walks league-wide. Pitching depth includes Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes, and a capable bullpen.
Diamondbacks key contributors:
Ketel Marte (2B, when healthy – power/OBP leader), Corbin Carroll (OF, speed/power), Gabriel Moreno (C, strong AVG), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (OF, when available), other INF/OF depth (e.g., Nolan Arenado in some reports). Offense relies on athleticism and power. Pitching includes Eduardo Rodriguez (strong ERA), Brandon Pfaadt, and bullpen options.
Injury Reports
Cubs: Kevin Gausman (SP, day-to-day – left hand cramp; probable), Dansby Swanson (SS, 10-day IL – side/oblique), Matt Shaw (OF, 10-day IL – hand), Edward Cabrera (SP, 15-day IL – blister/finger), Hoby Milner (RP, 15-day IL – abdomen/appendicitis), longer-term absences (Justin Steele, others elbow-related; Phil Maton, Ben Brown).
Diamondbacks: Ketel Marte (2B, 10-day IL – knee inflammation), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (OF, 10-day IL – thigh/adductor; rehab notes), Tommy Troy (OF, 10-day IL – shoulder), Ryan Thompson (RP, 15-day IL – back), Michael Soroka (SP, 15-day IL – arm/shoulder), longer-term (Zac Gallen, Corbin Burnes, Ryne Nelson, Blake Walston – mostly elbow).
Recent Team Forms
Cubs (strong overall, competitive in NL Central/wild-card race): High-scoring offense (league-leading walks/OBP at times, ~5+ R/G in stretches) led by Crow-Armstrong’s MVP-caliber production. Pitching solid enough (team ERA ~4.1–4.2). Strong road record in recent months.
Diamondbacks (solid but streaky, mid-pack NL West): Capable of offensive outbursts at home but pitching has been average-to-below (team ERA similar ~4.1–4.2). Home record competitive (around 38-28). Facing a tough stretch of games.
Series History
Cubs took the early-season series in Chicago (e.g., May results favored Chicago in available H2H). Overall recent matchups lean toward the Cubs in several contests. This is Arizona’s only home series vs. Chicago in 2026 and begins a three-game set.
Key Player vs. Player / Matchup Notes
Gausman (RHP) vs. Diamondbacks hitters: Favorable against a lineup missing some regulars (Marte, Gurriel). Crow-Armstrong’s speed/power and Suzuki’s contact create pressure; Kelly’s higher HR rate is a concern in a hitter-friendly environment (even with roof considerations).
Kelly (RHP) vs. Cubs hitters: Vulnerable to Chicago’s strong OBP and power (Crow-Armstrong especially dangerous). Elevated WHIP suggests traffic that Cubs’ opportunistic lineup can exploit.
Team styles: Cubs emphasize walks, contact, and athleticism; Diamondbacks rely on power and home-field energy. Bullpen and late-inning edges lean slightly toward Chicago’s depth. Speed advantage to both (Carroll and Crow-Armstrong).
Betting Trends
Favorites with better records and pitching pedigree often favored on the road in interleague/NL matchups. Cubs’ superior overall standings and Crow-Armstrong’s production support the lean. Totals can inflate at Chase Field when the roof is open or offenses click.
Game Odds
Chicago Cubs – 142
Arizona Diamondbacks 9
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, August 23, 2026
