The Chicago Cubs wrap up a road series against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with first pitch set for 3:05 PM ET. No probable pitchers have been confirmed for either side, adding a layer of uncertainty to a late-regular-season game that still carries real stakes. Chicago is looking to finish the final stretch of the schedule with momentum, and the lineup they've submitted gives them every reason to believe they can take this one on the road. Catch it on Marquee Sports Network or listen in on 104.3 The Score.

Cubs vs. Red Sox Starting Lineups for September 27, 2026

With no confirmed starters on the mound for either club, the story Sunday shifts to the position players — and Chicago's lineup construction is worth examining closely. Manager or not, whoever fills out that card put together a balanced group from top to bottom.

Chicago Cubs Starting Lineup

• 1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
• 2. Alex Bregman, DH
• 3. Michael Busch, 1B
• 4. Ian Happ, LF
• 5. Michael Conforto, RF
• 6. Nico Hoerner, 2B
• 7. Pedro Ramírez, 3B
• 8. Dansby Swanson, SS
• 9. Miguel Amaya, C

Boston Red Sox Starting Lineup

• 1. Roman Anthony, LF
• 2. Adley Rutschman, C
• 3. Willson Contreras, DH
• 4. Wilyer Abreu, RF
• 5. Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
• 6. Nick Sogard, 2B
• 7. Caleb Durbin, 3B
• 8. Trevor Story, SS
• 9. Andruw Monasterio, 1B

Keys to Watch for the Cubs on Sunday

Even without confirmed pitching matchups, there are clear storylines to track when Chicago takes the field.

• Pete Crow-Armstrong at the top: PCA leading off gives the Cubs their best chance to set the table early. His speed and ability to get on base in front of Bregman and Busch is exactly what this offense needs to generate runs.
• Alex Bregman batting second: Slotting Bregman into the two-hole is a calculated move. His ability to work counts and drive runners home with two strikes makes him dangerous in any situation, and protecting him with Busch and Happ behind him keeps Boston's pitchers honest.
• Ian Happ in the four-spot: Happ hitting cleanup signals the confidence the Cubs have in him as a middle-of-the-order presence. A switch hitter with plate discipline, he gives Chicago a legitimate run-producing threat regardless of who Boston trots out to the mound.
• Willson Contreras in the opposing lineup: The former Cubs catcher is now Boston's DH, and you can bet the Chicago faithful will be watching him closely. Contreras always plays with emotion, and this is a late-season game where that history adds some spice.
• Pitching TBD — monitor pregame: The biggest unknown is who takes the ball. Both clubs listing TBD starters this late in the season could mean bullpen games, spot starts, or a last-minute rotation decision. Check pregame notes carefully before the first pitch.

Prediction: Cubs Take a Close One

Without pitching matchups to lean on, this prediction lives and dies with the lineup. Chicago's order — from Crow-Armstrong through Amaya — is constructed well enough to manufacture runs against whatever Boston throws out there. The Cubs have the edge in lineup depth on paper, and in a game where the rotation picture is unclear, the club that puts better at-bats together will win. Cubs 5, Red Sox 3.