Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
First pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET
TV: MARQ / Marlins.TV
The Cubs are pushing for a playoff clinch (second consecutive postseason appearance possible with a win or favorable results elsewhere) and sit second in the NL Central. The Marlins are out of contention in the NL East. This is Game 2 of a three-game series; Miami won the opener 8-2 in 12 innings on Tuesday. The season series is tied 2-2.
Probable Pitchers
Marlins: RHP Ryan Gusto (1-5, 4.14 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 69 K in 82.2 IP). The right-hander has mixed results in limited starts this season. He struggled in a prior matchup against the Cubs earlier in September (5 runs in 4.2 IP). Road numbers are modest.
Cubs: RHP Kevin Gausman (9-12 overall, 4.55 ERA; 4-2, 5.04 ERA in 8 starts with Chicago since the trade deadline). The veteran has historical success against Miami (4-2, 2.41 ERA in prior sample). Recent outings have been serviceable.
Current Weather Forecast
Cloudy to overcast, cool and breezy. High near 65°F, temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s around first pitch, east-northeast winds 10–15 mph (gusts up to 20 mph), low precipitation chance (near 0%). Typical late-September Wrigley conditions that can suppress offense with the wind.
Injury Reports
Marlins:
2B Xavier Edwards (day-to-day, thumb)
OF Owen Caissie (10-day IL, lumbar)
RP Pete Fairbanks (15-day IL, arm)
RP Anthony Bender (15-day IL, shin)
SP Max Meyer (15-day IL, neck)
Longer-term absences including RP Andrew Nardi, SP Robby Snelling, and others.
Cubs:
3B Alex Bregman (day-to-day, face/cheek injury from foul ball; light activity, possible return soon)
RP Trent Thornton (15-day IL, ankle)
RP Gavin Hollowell (15-day IL, shoulder)
Multiple 60-day IL players (Justin Steele elbow, Phil Maton knee, Hunter Harvey, Cade Horton, and others).
Key Rosters / Notable Players
Marlins: SS Otto Lopez (.304–.305 AVG leader), OF/1B Kyle Stowers, DH Griffin Conine, OF Heriberto Hernandez (power), INF Javier Sanoja, and speed elements (160 SB as a team).
Cubs: CF Pete Crow-Armstrong (.282 AVG, MLB-leading ~45 HR and strong RBI totals), RF Seiya Suzuki, 1B Michael Busch, LF Ian Happ, 2B Nico Hoerner, SS Dansby Swanson, and a high-powered offense (league-leading runs and HRs).
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Both right-handers face opposing lineups with significant left-handed threats.
Gausman’s splitter and experience should challenge Miami’s contact/power mix (Lopez, Hernandez).
Gusto will be tested by Chicago’s elite offense led by Crow-Armstrong’s power-speed combination and Suzuki’s consistency. Wrigley’s wind and cooler temperatures may limit extra-base hits.
Recent Team Forms
Marlins: Mixed (5-5 in last 10). Snapped a skid with the extra-inning win Tuesday after a sweep in San Diego. Road record 32-47.
Cubs: Solid (6-4 in last 10). Highest-scoring team in MLB but dropped the series opener in extras. Strong home record (45-34).
Series History
Fourth and fifth meetings of 2026 (tied 2-2 after Miami’s 8-2 win in 12 innings Tuesday). Competitive recent results, with Chicago taking two of three in Miami earlier this month.
Betting Trends
Trends favor Chicago due to superior record, home-field advantage, and offensive firepower, though the Marlins’ extra-inning upset creates some underdog value. Cool/breezy conditions and Gausman’s history vs. Miami support the Under.
Game Odds
Miami Marlins 6.5
Chicago Cubs – 167
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, September 22, 2026
