The Chicago Cubs head to Miami for a Friday night regular-season matchup against the Marlins, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET at loanDepot park. Shota Imanaga gets the ball for Chicago against Marlins right-hander Janson Junk. With September baseball in full swing, every game carries weight in the standings, and this road date gives the Cubs a chance to stack a win against a Marlins club leaning heavily on youth throughout their lineup. Coverage is available on Marquee Sports Network and 104.3 The Score.

Cubs at Marlins: Friday, September 4, 2026 Game Preview

Imanaga remains one of the Cubs' most reliable arms, and his presence in the rotation on a Friday night road start is exactly the kind of assignment you want your best pitchers drawing in September. Without current ERA or record figures available at publication time, the narrative has to rest on role: Imanaga is the guy Chicago trusts to set the tone in a series opener.

On the other side, Janson Junk draws the start for Miami. The Marlins' lineup is built around a collection of young players, and their batting order Friday reflects that developmental identity — from Heriberto Hernández leading off in left field to Brian Navarreto catching at the nine hole. Griffin Conine slots in at three, with Javier Sanoja cleaning up at the cleanup spot. Esteury Ruiz brings speed to the six hole from center field. It's a lineup Chicago will need to take seriously, but one Imanaga should be capable of navigating.

Pitching Matchup

• Chicago Cubs (Away): Shota Imanaga, LHP
• Miami Marlins (Home): Janson Junk, RHP

Keys to Watch

Imanaga's Command Early

A pitcher of Imanaga's caliber wins or loses games in the first three innings on the road. If he can work ahead in counts and keep the ball out of the seats at loanDepot park, Chicago sets up its bullpen for a comfortable finish. Any struggles early put the offense in a hole they'll need to dig out of against a lineup that may be young but isn't without weapons.

Attacking Junk in the Middle of the Order

The Cubs' lineup needs to put pressure on Junk early and consistently. Making the Marlins' bullpen work in the middle innings is a sound strategy in September road games. Chicago should be aggressive against a starter whose track record at this level remains a question mark.

Miami's Speed Factor

Esteury Ruiz in center is a legitimate baserunning threat. The Cubs' battery needs to be alert on the bases and limit Ruiz's opportunities to manufacture runs the old-fashioned way. One stolen base and a single can change an inning fast.

Prediction

Imanaga is the clear advantage in this pitching matchup on paper. If he delivers a quality start — six-plus innings, three runs or fewer — the Cubs have enough offense to handle Junk and get out of Miami with a series-opening win. Cubs 5, Marlins 2.