First pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
Probable starters: RHP Reynaldo López (Braves, 4-4, 4.13 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 71 SO in 76.1 IP) vs. LHP David Peterson (Cubs, 7-8, 5.28 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 117 SO in 131.1 IP)
TV: MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network, BravesVision (and streaming options such as Fubo)
This is Game 1 of a three-game series. The Braves lead the NL East and are in strong playoff position. The Cubs sit second in the NL Central and are battling for a Wild Card spot (tied or near the Phillies in recent standings reports).
Weather Forecast
Partly cloudy to mostly sunny conditions expected. Temperature around 70–73°F at first pitch (high near 72°F), with a low in the upper 60s overnight. Southeast winds 10–15 mph (gusts higher possible later). Low precipitation chance during the game (0–30%, with any showers more likely overnight). Classic Wrigley conditions that could favor hitters if the wind blows out.
Injury Reports
Braves
Lane Thomas (OF): 10-day IL (side/intercostal)
Bryce Elder (SP): 15-day IL (knee)
Longer-term (mostly 60-day): Spencer Strider, Robert Suarez, Spencer Schwellenbach, Joey Wentz, Joe Jiménez.
Cubs
Dansby Swanson (SS): 10-day IL (side/oblique)
Trent Thornton (RP): 15-day IL (ankle)
Gavin Hollowell (RP): 15-day IL (shoulder)
Longer-term (mostly 60-day): Justin Steele, Hunter Harvey, Shelby Miller, Cade Horton, Porter Hodge, Phil Maton, Ben Brown, and others.
Both clubs are missing key rotation and bullpen depth, plus important position players (Thomas for Atlanta; Swanson for Chicago).
Current Rosters / Projected Approaches
Braves: Expect a lineup featuring Ronald Acuña Jr. (hot recently), Matt Olson (power production), Michael Harris II, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and supporting pieces. López is returning from earlier knee issues and has mixed results in limited starts.
Cubs: Lineup centered on Pete Crow-Armstrong (41 HR, near 100 RBI), Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner (hot of late), Ian Happ, Michael Busch, Alex Bregman, and others. Peterson, acquired midseason, has struggled with consistency and control.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
López vs. Cubs hitters: López has a solid ERA but elevated WHIP and has allowed runs in recent outings. Crow-Armstrong’s power and Hoerner’s contact present challenges, especially in a hitter-friendly park.
Peterson vs. Braves hitters: The lefty has a high ERA and WHIP this season. Acuña Jr. has historically performed well against him, and Olson’s left-handed power plus the Braves’ overall slugging (.410 team mark) create a favorable matchup for Atlanta’s bats.
Recent Team Forms
Braves: 5-5 in last 10. Coming off a series that included a loss to the Phillies (Olson went 3-for-5 with a HR in one recent game). Strong overall pitching (team ERA 3.59); offense averages solid production. Road record 37-35.
Cubs: 5-5 in last 10. Offense leads the majors in runs per game (5.3) and is potent at home (43-32 record). Pitching is more middle-of-the-pack (4.19 ERA). Strong when scoring 5+ runs (66-14).
Series History
This is the fourth meeting of the 2026 season (earlier series in Atlanta). Prior contests have been competitive and often low-scoring in some matchups, though Wrigley can inflate totals. Overall recent head-to-head has been relatively even.
Betting Trends
Trends favor the home Cubs slightly due to offensive firepower and Wrigley, though Braves’ better overall record and pitching edge keep it close. High totals reflect both teams’ run-producing ability.
Game Odds
Atlanta Braves 9.5
Chicago Cubs – 128
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, September 13, 2026
