The Chicago Cubs head to Chase Field to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, with first pitch set for 3:40 PM ET. Matthew Boyd gets the ball for Chicago against Arizona's Eduardo Rodriguez in an afternoon matchup that carries regular-season weight for both clubs. The Cubs send out a lineup built around Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and Alex Bregman, while Arizona counters with a potent order featuring Corbin Carroll and Nolan Arenado. Watch it on Marquee Sports Network or catch the radio call on 104.3 The Score.

Cubs vs. Diamondbacks Starting Pitchers: Boyd and Rodriguez Set to Square Off

Matthew Boyd draws the start for the Cubs. The left-hander has been a part of Chicago's rotation this season, and Wednesday's assignment puts him in a tough environment — Chase Field's retractable roof and artificial turf create conditions that can favor hitters when the heat is on in Arizona. Boyd will need to work efficiently and keep the ball in the ballpark if the Cubs want to come away with a win.

Eduardo Rodriguez takes the hill for the Diamondbacks. The veteran left-hander has experience pitching in high-leverage situations, and a home start at Chase Field gives Arizona a familiar edge. Rodriguez's ability to mix pitches and generate weak contact will be central to how far he goes into this game.

Cubs Lineup to Watch: Crow-Armstrong, Suzuki, and Bregman Lead the Way

Chicago's lineup is structured to put pressure on opposing pitching from the top down. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads off in center field, bringing speed and on-base ability to set the table. Seiya Suzuki bats second, followed by Alex Bregman in the three hole — a pairing that gives the Cubs genuine run-producing capability early in the order.

Michael Busch hits cleanup at first base, with Nico Hoerner slotting in at fifth batting out of the shortstop spot. Tyrone Taylor provides depth in left field at sixth, while Pedro Ramírez, Carson Kelly, and Gabriel Arias round out the bottom of the order. It's a lineup with balance — speed at the top, power in the middle, and enough depth to string together innings.

Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup: Carroll and Arenado Provide the Danger

The Diamondbacks counter with Corbin Carroll in the two-hole and Nolan Arenado batting cleanup as the designated hitter — two names Boyd will have circled. Geraldo Perdomo hits third at shortstop, giving Arizona a capable contact threat before Arenado comes up with runners on base. Jordan Lawlar hits eighth in center field and is a name to watch as a developing piece of this Arizona lineup.

Keys to the Game

• Boyd's command in the early innings: If Boyd falls behind hitters and starts working from the stretch in the first three innings, the Diamondbacks have enough punch to make him pay quickly in that ballpark.
• Bregman and Busch vs. Rodriguez: The Cubs' three-four combo needs to be productive against the D-backs' starter. Getting those two going early is critical to putting runs on the board.
• Bullpen management: Afternoon games on the road can become taxing. How both managers deploy their relievers after the fifth inning could decide this one.
• Crow-Armstrong on the bases: PCA's ability to create havoc on the basepaths can shift momentum, particularly in a close, low-scoring game where one extra base changes an inning.

Cubs at Diamondbacks Prediction

This is a competitive matchup between two left-handed starters in a hitter-friendly environment. The Cubs' lineup has enough firepower in the middle of the order to generate runs, but Boyd will need to be sharp to keep Carroll and Arenado in check. Arizona's home advantage at Chase Field is real, but Chicago's lineup depth makes this a game the Cubs are capable of winning on any given afternoon. Edge: Cubs 5, Diamondbacks 3, with the Cubs' middle of the order doing enough damage against Rodriguez to secure the road win.