Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL.
First pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET
(Marquee/Marlins.TV).
This is the opener of a three-game series. The Cubs (2nd in NL Central, tied with the Padres atop the NL wild-card race with a head-to-head tiebreaker edge) can clinch a playoff berth with a win (or Diamondbacks loss). The Marlins (3rd in NL East, long eliminated) are playing spoiler roles on the road (31-47 away).
Probable Starters
Marlins: RHP Janson Junk (6-9, 4.50 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 78 K in 114.0 IP over 23 starts). Recent form has been mixed/rough (higher ERA in last several outings; short starts common). He faced the Cubs on Sept. 4 and allowed 1 run over 5 IP in a loss.
Cubs: LHP Shota Imanaga (11-10, 3.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 164 K in 168.1 IP). Stronger overall with better control and recent wins (including a solid outing vs. these Marlins earlier in September). He has been effective at home and is in solid late-season form.
Weather Forecast (Wrigley Field)
Mostly cloudy and cool with a high near 64°F. Slight chance (around 20%) of showers, especially later in the afternoon/evening. Northeast winds 10–15 mph (gusts to 20–25 mph), making it breezy. Low around 57°F overnight. Expect a pitcher’s-friendly environment with potential for some wind impact on fly balls.
Injury Reports
Marlins: Xavier Edwards (2B, thumb – day-to-day, possible for lineup); Owen Caissie (RF, lumbar stress reaction – 10-day IL); Anthony Bender (RP, shin – 15-day IL, season-ending surgery path); Max Meyer (SP, neck – 15-day IL, shut down); Ronny Henriquez, Andrew Nardi, William Kempner, Robby Snelling, Adam Mazur (various elbow/longer-term IL). Pete Fairbanks also dealing with arm issues (15-day IL path).
Cubs: Alex Bregman (3B, face/cheek – day-to-day after foul ball, status uncertain/possible longer absence into October); Justin Steele (SP, elbow – 60-day IL, rehab progress, decision pending); Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Gavin Hollowell, Ben Brown, Cade Horton, Riley Martin, Tyler Austin/others (various IL, many longer-term or season-impacting). Some day-to-day notes on others like Ian Happ earlier.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups / Notable Performers
Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs CF): Elite 2026 campaign (.280/.371/.578, 45 HR, 107 RBI, 38 SB, .949 OPS). Hot recently (multi-hit games, power, steals). Leads the Cubs attack and poses a major threat vs. right-handed pitching like Junk; strong defense in center.
Seiya Suzuki, Michael Busch, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson / others (Cubs): Solid supporting cast with power and contact. Suzuki and Happ provide outfield pop; Hoerner reliable contact/middle-infield.
Otto Lopez (Marlins): Team leader in average (~.305). Consistent contact threat.
Heriberto Hernández (Marlins): Team HR leader (24); power bat.
Jakob Marsee / Javier Sanoja / others: Recent contributors (Marsee hot in last 10). Marlins offense is more modest overall (.249 AVG, 4.4 R/G).
Imanaga’s lefty repertoire and control should challenge Marlins right-handed bats; Junk’s stuff will be tested by Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs’ balanced lineup. Pitcher-friendly total and weather favor the arms.
Recent Team Forms
Cubs: 6-4 in last 10; won last two (strong series vs. Reds, including a 9-1 win). Home record 45-33. Offense ranks high in runs (1st in MLB at ~5.35 R/G, 217 HR). Pitching staff ERA ~4.16.
Marlins: 4-6 in last 10; dropped three straight (struggled vs. Padres). Road woes continue. Offense mid-pack (692 runs, 161 HR); pitching ERA also ~4.16.
Cubs have outscored opponents more recently and carry better momentum heading into a potential clinching scenario.
Series History
Cubs lead the 2026 season series 2-1 after a recent three-game set in Miami (Cubs won 6-1 and 6-5; Marlins took the finale 10-3). Longer-term, the clubs have a competitive all-time record with Cubs generally holding a slight edge in recent years. This is the first meeting at Wrigley this season.
Betting Trends
Cubs are heavy favorites as home team with better record/form/playoff motivation. Public money leans heavily Cubs on the ML. Under has appeal in a low total with solid pitching and cooler/breezy conditions. Cubs have been solid as favorites at home in spots; Marlins struggle as road underdogs.
Game Odds
Miami Marlins 6.5
Chicago Cubs – 203
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 21, 2026
