The Chicago Cubs host the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, June 21 at Wrigley Field for a 2:20 PM ET first pitch, and this one has the makings of a genuine pitchers' duel. Shota Imanaga takes the hill for Chicago against former Cubs nemesis Dylan Cease, now donning Blue Jays blue. Two elite arms, the ivy-covered walls, and a stacked Cubs lineup looking to make noise — this is exactly the kind of mid-June afternoon that reminds you why baseball is worth caring about.

Probable Starters: Imanaga vs. Cease

Shota Imanaga has been one of the most consistent starting pitchers in the National League since arriving in Chicago, and Sunday is his chance to remind the baseball world why the Cubs invested heavily in him. His ability to manipulate the strike zone with a devastating sweeper and a deceptive delivery gives Chicago every reason to feel good about their chances any time he's on the mound at Clark and Addison.

On the other side, Dylan Cease is no stranger to big moments. The former White Sox and Padres righty brings his signature power arsenal — a high-octane fastball paired with a wipeout slider — to one of baseball's most iconic venues. Cease knows how to miss bats, and the Cubs' lineup will need to be disciplined and patient if they want to get to him early.

Cubs Starting Lineup

• 1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
• 2. Alex Bregman, 3B
• 3. Michael Busch, 1B
• 4. Seiya Suzuki, DH
• 5. Ian Happ, LF
• 6. Matt Shaw, RF
• 7. Nico Hoerner, 2B
• 8. Carson Kelly, C
• 9. Dansby Swanson, SS

Keys to Watch Against Dylan Cease

Cease lives and dies by his slider, and Chicago's right-handed hitters — Bregman, Busch, and Suzuki in the heart of the order — will be the ones who determine the outcome. If they can lay off the put-away slider and work counts into fastball territory, the offense has the firepower to do damage. Pete Crow-Armstrong setting the table at the top is critical. PCA's speed and on-base ability forces opposing pitchers into uncomfortable situations early in at-bats, and getting him on base against Cease puts immediate pressure on the Toronto defense.

Nico Hoerner batting seventh is a luxury. A player with his contact skills hitting that low in the order means the Cubs have depth and balance throughout. If the lineup clicks, Cease could be in for a long afternoon.

How Imanaga Wins This Game

The Blue Jays are a dangerous offensive club, and Imanaga will need to work quickly and efficiently — keeping his pitch count manageable through the first five or six innings. His best outings have come when he commands both sides of the plate and avoids extended deep counts. Getting ahead early in at-bats neutralizes Toronto's patient approach. Wrigley's crowd on a summer Sunday will be electric, and Imanaga has proven he feeds off that energy.

Prediction

This is a tight game that could go either way, but the Cubs get the edge at home. Imanaga delivers seven strong innings, the offense scratches out enough against Cease with a key extra-base hit from Seiya Suzuki, and Chicago takes it 3-1. Catch the action on Marquee Sports Network or tune in on 104.3 The Score.