MLB Game Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (16-15) vs. Chicago Cubs (20-12)

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Chicago Cubs logo

Location: Wrigley Field — Chicago, Illinois

Start Time: 2:20 PM EDT

Weather: Forecast shows cool Chicago conditions (approx. 9°C / 48°F) at gametime.

Injury Report

Chicago Cubs

Multiple pitchers remain sidelined, including:

Ethan Roberts (finger), Daniel Palencia (oblique), Riley Martin (elbow), Hunter Harvey (tricep), Porter Hodge (elbow), Caleb Thielbar (hamstring), Jordan Wicks (forearm), Shelby Miller (elbow), Justin Steele (elbow), Christopher Austin (knee), Cade Horton (forearm).

Nico Hoerner: day‑to‑day (neck).

Arizona Diamondbacks

Key injuries include:

Carlos Santana (groin), Jordan Lawlar (wrist), Tyler Locklear (elbow), A.J. Puk (elbow), Blake Walston (elbow), Andrew Saalfrank (shoulder), Cristian Mena (shoulder), Corbin Burnes (elbow), Pavin Smith (elbow), Justin Martinez (elbow).

Pitching Matchup

Arizona — Ryne Nelson (1–2, 7.71 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 24 K)

Chicago — Shota Imanaga (2–2, 3.15 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 38 K)

Edge: Cubs. Imanaga has been excellent at home and owns elite command metrics, while Nelson has struggled badly with run prevention.

Team Records & Recent Form

Arizona Diamondbacks (16–15)

Road record: 7–9

Last 10: 3–7, with a 7.86 ERA and outscored by 28 runs.

Season run differential: –? (from 5.52 RA vs. 4.71 RF).

Chicago Cubs (20–12)

Home record: 12–5

Last 10: 7–3, hitting .279, outscoring opponents, ERA 5.32.

Season run differential: +? (5.47 RF vs. 4.34 RA).

Form Advantage: Cubs (significant).

Key Player Matchups

Cubs Offense

Nico Hoerner: .297 AVG, 9 doubles, 4 HR.

Seiya Suzuki: 14-for-36, 5 HR, 7 RBI in last 10.

Diamondbacks Offense

Ildemaro Vargas: .404 AVG, 6 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR, 21 RBI.

Nolan Arenado: 13-for-32, 2 HR, 6 RBI last 10.

Series History

Cubs lead season series 1–0 after a 6–5 win on May 1.

Last 10 H2H: Cubs lead 6–4.

Betting Trends

Cubs

20–12 overall, 12–5 at home.

7–3 last 10; 9–1 to the Over in that span.

Diamondbacks

3–7 last 10; pitching staff allowing 7.86 ERA recently.

7–3 to the Over in last 10.

GAME ODDS

Arizona Diamondbacks                 7

Chicago Cubs                                     – 171

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 1, 2026