Chicago Cubs vs Miami Marlins – Series Preview (September 22-24): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (87-69) took two of three from the Reds in Cincinnati over the weekend to move within one game of clinching a playoff spot. It wasn’t all good news, however, as Alex Bregman was hit in the face with a check swing off the bat of Michael Busch Sunday. The freak accident resulted in facial fractures, putting the rest of his season into jeopardy.
Chicago continues its quest to get the top Wild Card spot in the National League in the final home series of the year against the Marlins (76-80) starting Tuesday night. The two teams played each other two weeks ago in Miami, with the North Siders winning two of three.
The Fish were recently eliminated from playoff contention, but they have improved massively from last season. Their offense is excellent at getting on base even if there isn’t very much power to drive those runs home. Griffin Conine and Kyle Stowers have been two of the most effective hitters down the stretch.
Miami has been in the middle of the pack pitching-wise most of the season with a 4.16 team ERA that is identical to the Cubs and ranked 15th in the league. The Marlins have been keeping their young starters on a short leash as the season winds down, so we’ll see how they handle things over the next three days. Tyler Phillips has been one of the most promising of those starters, and ace Sandy Alcantara is not appearing in the series.
The bullpen has been decent with a 4.15 ERA, and Calvin Faucher is holding down the closing role with Pete Fairbanks on the injured list. They might not have anything to play for, but they aren’t an easy victory by any means.
The Cubs control their own destiny when it comes to home-field advantage in the opening round. They also have to try to find a combination in the ‘pen that works at least decently heading into the playoffs. There is still a lot to play for in these games, including a chance for more days at Wrigley Field.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Tuesday, September 22 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, September 23 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Thursday, September 24 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 9/22 | Kevin Gausman | 35 | R | 4.55 | 9-12 | 3.75 | 3.85 |
| Janson Junk | 30 | R | 4.50 | 6-9 | 4.25 | 2.52 | |
| 9/23 | Shōta Imanaga | 33 | L | 3.80 | 11-10 | 4.54 | 4.43 |
| Ryan Gusto | 27 | R | 4.14 | 1-5 | 4.28 | 2.65 | |
| 9/24 | Clay Holmes | 33 | R | 3.25 | 6-8 | 3.62 | 1.92 |
| Tyler Phillips | 28 | R | 3.45 | 5-6 | 4.63 | 1.90 |
What to Watch For
- Pete Crow-Armstrong needs two more stolen bases to reach 40 for the season.
- Holmes has struggled in September, having allowed 16 runs in 15.1 innings.
- Dansby Swanson had three hits against the Reds, including a home run, in his return from an oblique injury.
- The Cubs are 45-33 at the Friendly Confines in 2026.
