Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
First pitch: 2:20 p.m. ET
TV: Marquee Sports Network / Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)
This crosstown rivalry matchup pits the first-place AL Central White Sox against the second-place NL Central Cubs. The Cubs hold a 3-2 season series edge entering the sixth meeting of the year and look to complete a three-game sweep after consecutive wins. Both clubs sit in strong positions in their respective divisions/playoff races.
Probable Starting Pitchers
White Sox: LHP Sean Newcomb (1-3, 2.51–2.52 ERA). Limited but effective sample this season with strong command and a low ERA in his appearances. Provides a left-handed look against the Cubs’ lineup.
Cubs: RHP Clay Holmes (5-5, 2.56 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 49 K in 63.1 IP). Solid after transitioning into a starting role; low walk and home-run rates have kept him effective. Home starts have generally been strong for Chicago.
Both pitchers own sub-3.00 ERAs, setting up a competitive pitching matchup on paper, though Holmes has logged more innings.
Current Weather Forecast (Wrigley Field)
Partly sunny to mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers (around 20%). High near 74–78°F; game-time temperatures expected in the low-to-mid 70s°F. Winds from the west-northwest shifting northeast at 5–10 mph. Comfortable conditions for a daytime game with limited precipitation risk.
Injury Reports
Chicago White Sox:
Drew Thorpe (SP), Prelander Berroa (RP), Ky Bush (SP) – 60-day IL (elbow-related).
Chris Murphy (RP) – 15-day IL.
Davis Martin (SP) – 15-day IL.
Joey Bart (C) and Kyle Teel (C) – 10-day IL.
Tanner Murray and others on longer-term IL.
Key active contributors: Miguel Vargas (power/RBI leader), Munetaka Murakami, Chase Meidroth (hot recently), and Colson Montgomery.
Chicago Cubs:
Dansby Swanson (SS) – 10-day IL (oblique/side); expected multi-week absence.
Matt Shaw (INF/OF) – 10-day IL (hand); rehabbing.
Kevin Gausman (SP) – Day-to-day (hand cramp from prior outing).
Edward Cabrera (SP/RP) – 15-day IL (blister).
Longer-term: Daniel Palencia, Hoby Milner, Gavin Hollowell, Ben Brown, Cade Horton, Justin Steele, Hunter Harvey, and others.
Key active: Pete Crow-Armstrong (power/speed standout), Alex Bregman, Nico Hoerner (recent multi-hit form), and the supporting cast.
Key Player Matchups & Notable Performers
Holmes vs. White Sox hitters: Miguel Vargas (28 HR, strong RBI totals) and Munetaka Murakami (power threat) present the biggest challenges. Chase Meidroth has been productive lately.
Newcomb vs. Cubs hitters: Pete Crow-Armstrong (high HR and RBI totals, recent homers in the series) and Alex Bregman are primary dangers. Nico Hoerner offers consistent contact.
Wrigley can play differently depending on wind; both teams feature strong power (White Sox 167 HR, Cubs 164 HR). Cubs hold edges in overall offense and home performance.
Recent Team Forms
White Sox: 6-4 in last 10; competitive but 0-2 in the current series. Road record 28-36 is a weakness. Strong when collecting 8+ hits.
Cubs: 6-4 in last 10; winners of the first two series games and strong at home (38-26). Consistent run production.
Series History
Cubs lead the 2026 season series 3-2 (and 2-0 in the current set). The crosstown rivalry remains competitive, with home-field advantage often playing a role at Wrigley.
Betting Trends
Trends: Cubs favored at home with better overall record and recent series success. White Sox competitive as underdogs in spots but struggle on the road. Public tends to back the home favorite in rivalry games.
Game Odds
Chicago White Sox 7.5
Chicago Cubs – 143
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, August 18, 2026
