Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
First pitch: 9:40 p.m. ET (broadcast: MARQ / ARID)
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: RHP Clay Holmes (5-6, 2.49 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 68.2 IP, 50 K, 23 BB, 4 HR). Strong recent form with a very low ERA in limited starts; effective at limiting hard contact and home runs.
Diamondbacks: RHP Brandon Pfaadt (7-1, 3.39 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 98.1 IP, 69 K, 24 BB, 11 HR). Solid win-loss record and workload; keeps the ball in the park reasonably well but allows more contact.
Holmes holds the ERA and recent form edge; Pfaadt has the volume and win total advantage in a competitive matchup of right-handers.
Venue & Weather Forecast
Chase Field (retractable roof), Phoenix, AZ.
As a climate-controlled stadium, outdoor weather has minimal impact (roof typically closed in extreme heat). Phoenix area conditions for the evening: hot daytime highs (upper 90s–100°F+ range possible), clear to partly cloudy skies, very low precipitation chance, light winds. Game played indoors regardless.
Current Rosters / Projected Lineups
Cubs (key active hitters): Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF – power leader with 33 HR), Alex Bregman (3B), Seiya Suzuki (RF), Ian Happ (LF), Michael Busch (1B), Nico Hoerner (2B/IF), Michael Conforto (DH), Carson Kelly or catcher options. Strong overall offense ranking near the top in runs, OBP, and power.
Diamondbacks (key active hitters): Corbin Carroll (OF), Gabriel Moreno (C – high AVG), Nolan Arenado (3B – power), Geraldo Perdomo (SS), Tim Tawa and others. Missing key pieces; solid but less potent than Chicago’s attack.
Cubs feature superior seasonal production and recent series dominance.
Injury Reports
Cubs: Dansby Swanson (SS, 10-day IL, side); Matt Shaw (RF, 10-day IL, hand); Edward Cabrera (SP, 15-day IL); Hoby Milner and several longer-term bullpen/rotation absences (Ben Brown, Phil Maton, etc.). Core lineup mostly intact.
Diamondbacks: Ketel Marte (2B, 10-day IL, knee); Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF, 10-day IL, adductor); Tommy Troy (OF, 10-day IL); Ryan Thompson / Mike Soroka (pitching IL); multiple long-term absences including Zac Gallen, Corbin Burnes, A.J. Puk, and others. Significant depth and star power impacted.
Both clubs dealing with injuries, but Arizona’s are more disruptive to the everyday lineup.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Pete Crow-Armstrong / Alex Bregman / Seiya Suzuki / Ian Happ vs. Brandon Pfaadt: Cubs’ power and on-base threats against Pfaadt’s solid but hittable profile. Crow-Armstrong’s elite production is a major factor.
Michael Conforto / Nico Hoerner contact vs. Pfaadt.
Corbin Carroll / Nolan Arenado / Gabriel Moreno vs. Clay Holmes: Diamondbacks’ best remaining hitters against Holmes’ low-ERA, contact-management style.
Geraldo Perdomo / secondary bats vs. Holmes.
Bullpens: Both mid-tier with absences; Chase Field (with roof) can play neutral-to-hitter friendly depending on conditions. Cubs’ recent shutout dominance in the series opener sets a tone.
Holmes’ efficiency gives Chicago the pitching edge against a depleted Arizona offense.
Recent Team Forms
Cubs: 5-5 last 10; W2 (including series-opening 7-0 shutout at Arizona). Strong overall record, excellent road form in spots, and high run production. Second in NL Central.
Diamondbacks: 5-5 last 10; L1. Mixed results; competitive in NL West but inconsistent scoring and pitching depth issues. Third in NL West, fighting for wild-card positioning.
Series History
2026 season series: Cubs lead 4-0 (prior May sweep plus the Aug 24 series opener, a 7-0 shutout). This is Game 2 of the current three-game set at Chase Field (concludes Aug 26). Chicago has thoroughly dominated the matchup this year.
Betting Trends
Close line reflecting quality of both starters and home-field edge for Arizona. Public leaning Cubs after the shutout. Unders in play given recent series scoring and both pitchers’ profiles. Cubs strong as road favorites in recent form; Diamondbacks competitive at home but struggling against Chicago.
Game Odds
Chicago Cubs – 112
Arizona Diamondbacks 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, August 24, 2026
