The Chicago Cubs host the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET. Shota Imanaga gets the ball for Chicago, squaring off against Atlanta's JR Ritchie in a late-September regular season matchup that carries real weight as both clubs navigate the final stretch of the 2026 season. With the ivy still green on the outfield walls and the North Side crowd ready to bring the noise, this is exactly the kind of September evening Wrigley Field was built for.
Probable Starters: Imanaga vs. Ritchie
Shota Imanaga is Chicago's man on the mound, and that alone should give Cubs fans reason to feel good walking into tonight. The left-hander has been one of the more reliable arms in the Cubs rotation this season, bringing a deceptive delivery and sharp command that can neutralize lineups top to bottom. When Imanaga is locked in, he generates weak contact and keeps pitch counts manageable deep into games — exactly what a September start demands.
For Atlanta, JR Ritchie draws the assignment. The right-hander is a younger arm in the Braves' organization working to establish himself at the big-league level. The Cubs will look to test him early and often, working counts and putting pressure on a pitcher who may not yet have deep experience managing a loud, late-season Wrigley atmosphere.
Keys to Watch for the Cubs
- Imanaga's command: His ability to locate his fastball and mix his off-speed pitches will set the tone. When he's painting corners, opposing hitters are in trouble.
- Patience at the plate: Against a less proven starter like Ritchie, the Cubs' lineup benefits from working deep into counts, forcing the Braves bullpen into action early.
- Defense up the middle: Imanaga's success is tied closely to clean defense behind him. Routine plays turned efficiently keep his pitch count down and his rhythm intact.
- First-inning energy: Wrigley crowds in September can be electric. If the Cubs grab an early lead and feed off that atmosphere, this game has a chance to get out of hand fast in Chicago's favor.
Why This Game Matters
September baseball at Wrigley is never just a game on the schedule. Every win in the final weeks of the regular season can shift standings, tiebreaker scenarios, and momentum heading into the postseason picture. The Braves are a franchise with genuine talent and organizational depth — this is not a club you overlook, regardless of where the standings sit. The Cubs need to bring a professional approach, execute fundamentals, and let Imanaga do what he does best.
Prediction
Imanaga vs. a younger, less-tested starter is a favorable pitching matchup on paper for the Cubs. Lean toward Chicago in this one. Imanaga goes six-plus strong innings, the Cubs offense finds enough against Ritchie, and Wrigley Field sends the crowd home happy. Cubs 5, Braves 3.
Catch the game on Marquee Sports Network on TV, or tune in on 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan and 104.3 The Score on radio.
