First pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
This is Game 2 of a three-game series between two strong NL contenders. The Cubs took the opener 7-3 on Monday behind Pete Crow-Armstrong’s four-hit, four-RBI performance (including his 42nd home run, tying the franchise left-handed single-season record). The Braves lead the NL East; the Cubs sit second in the NL Central and are in the thick of the wild-card race.
Starting Pitchers
Martín Pérez (LHP, Braves) — 8-9, 3.08 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 98 SO in 131.2 IP. Strong control and efficiency this season; recent starts include a strong outing against Tampa Bay. Left-hander should present matchup challenges for right-heavy Cubs lineups.
Kevin Gausman (RHP, Cubs) — 9-12, 4.60 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 171 SO in 166.1 IP. High strikeout totals but elevated ERA and home-run rate (24 HR allowed). Experienced veteran who can dominate when locating well; recent form has been more mixed.
Current Weather Forecast
Partly sunny to mostly cloudy with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms (around 50% chance earlier in the day, tapering later). Highs near 78–80°F around first pitch. Southwest winds around 10 mph (gusts up to 20 mph). Conditions at Wrigley could influence fly balls; monitor for any rain delays, though evening play is often less affected.
Injury Reports
Braves:
Lane Thomas (LF, side) — 10-day IL.
Bryce Elder (SP, knee) — 15-day IL.
Robert Suárez (RP, elbow) — 60-day IL.
Reynaldo López (RP/SP) — expected out until late September.
Longer-term: Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Joe Jiménez, Joey Wentz (elbow/knee).
Cubs:
Dansby Swanson (SS, side/oblique) — 10-day IL (rehab progressing; possible return soon).
Justin Steele (SP, elbow) — 60-day IL (rehabbing).
Gavin Hollowell (RP, shoulder) — 15-day IL.
Longer-term: Hunter Harvey, Cade Horton, others (elbow/forearm).
Both clubs manage key absences in the rotation and bullpen, with Atlanta’s depth tested by multiple high-leverage injuries.
Recent Team Forms
Braves (3-2 last 5): Lost 7-3 Monday after a late three-run seventh. Prior results included wins over Philadelphia and Tampa Bay mixed with a loss. Strong overall (88-63, NL East leaders); excellent when scoring 5+ runs (57-12). Away: 37-36. Offense powered by Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II.
Cubs (3-2 last 5): Won Monday 7-3 with dominant offense (Crow-Armstrong leading the way; Nico Hoerner and others contributing). Recent mix of wins over Pittsburgh and a loss to Milwaukee. Strong home record (44-32); league-leading home-run total (208). Offense ranks among MLB’s best in runs and slugging.
Series History
Season series tied 2-2 entering this game (Cubs won Monday; earlier May series in Atlanta was competitive, with each team taking wins). Recent meetings have featured power displays. All-time history favors the Braves in many eras, but Wrigley and current Cubs offense create a tough road environment.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups / Trends
Pérez (LHP) vs. Cubs hitters: Chicago ranks highly against left-handers. Crow-Armstrong (hot), Ian Happ, Michael Busch, and switch-hitters will look to exploit. Pérez’s low ERA and ground-ball tendencies could neutralize some power.
Gausman vs. Braves hitters: Atlanta’s lefty-heavy or switch-hitting group (Olson, Harris II, Albies) faces a high-K righty. Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley remain dangerous. Gausman’s strikeout stuff is elite when on, but the elevated ERA suggests vulnerability to hard contact.
Standouts: Pete Crow-Armstrong (MVP-caliber season), Nico Hoerner, Cody Bellinger/others for Cubs; Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson (power/RBI leader), Michael Harris II for Braves. Both teams boast top-tier power (Cubs lead MLB in HRs).
Team edges: Cubs have superior offensive production and home advantage; Braves hold a better overall record, stronger team ERA (3.62 vs. 4.18), and deeper recent pitching reliability in Pérez.
Betting Trends
Monday went over; Cubs offense has been prolific at home. Braves have covered as underdogs in several road spots. Wrigley and weather introduce variance for the total.
Game Odds
Atlanta Braves 8.5
Chicago Cubs – 137
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 14, 2026
