The Chicago Cubs head to Chase Field in Phoenix on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, for a 9:40 PM ET first pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Clay Holmes gets the ball for Chicago against Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Pfaadt in what shapes up as a pitching-forward night in the desert. With the regular season in its final stretch, every game carries real weight for both clubs in the National League standings.
Starting Pitchers: Clay Holmes vs. Brandon Pfaadt
Clay Holmes draws the start for the Cubs in this one. Holmes has been used in various roles during his career, and how he handles a Chase Field lineup built around speed and contact will go a long way toward determining the outcome. The Cubs need length from their starters, and Holmes will need to manage the Arizona order efficiently to give the bullpen a breather.
On the other side, Brandon Pfaadt takes the mound for Arizona. Pfaadt is a legitimate arm who can miss bats with his fastball-curveball combination, and Chase Field — with its retractable roof and controlled environment — can play to a pitcher's advantage depending on conditions. The Cubs' lineup will need to be patient and disciplined to do damage against him.
Keys to Watch for the Cubs at Chase Field
- Holmes's command early: If Holmes falls behind hitters consistently, the Diamondbacks' lineup is capable of making him pay. First-pitch strikes will be critical to keeping Arizona off the bases and out of big innings.
- Plate discipline against Pfaadt: Pfaadt can be hittable when he misses his spots, but chasing his breaking ball out of the zone is exactly what he wants. The Cubs need to work counts and force him deep into pitch counts.
- Bullpen management: In a late road game with a 9:40 PM start, the Cubs' relief corps will almost certainly see action. How manager Craig Counsell deploys his relievers in high-leverage spots could define the final innings.
- Baserunning and situational hitting: On the road, manufacturing runs becomes more important. The Cubs cannot afford to strand runners in scoring position against a pitcher like Pfaadt.
Broadcast Information
Chicago fans can catch the game on Marquee Sports Network on television and listen on 104.3 The Score. Arizona's broadcast is available on DBACKS.TV and Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. Spanish-language coverage is available on La Campesina 101.9 FM and 860 AM.
Prediction
This is a tight matchup with two pitchers who are capable of keeping it close. The Cubs are on the road in a late-night West Coast start — the kind of game that can slip away if the offense goes quiet. Give the edge to Pfaadt at home, but Holmes has the stuff to keep Chicago in it deep into the game. Expect a low-scoring affair decided in the seventh inning or later. Cubs 4, Diamondbacks 3 in a game that goes right down to the wire.
