Image Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue
Marlins vs Cubs action returns to Wrigley Field as Chicago prepares for its final regular-season home series of 2026. The Cubs will host Miami for three games from Tuesday through Thursday, looking to build momentum before closing the season on the road against the Boston Red Sox.
The series arrives with both clubs heading in different directions. Since their previous meeting in Miami, the Cubs are 6-6 overall but have won three consecutive series, going 6-3 since being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers. The Marlins, meanwhile, are 4-8 over the same stretch and were recently swept by the San Diego Padres.
Powerful Marlins vs Cubs Pitching Matchups
Chicago avoided Miami ace Sandy Alcántara, who started Sunday against San Diego. Instead, the Cubs are expected to face the same three Marlins starters they saw during their series in Miami earlier this month, in the same order.
- Tuesday: Shōta Imanaga, left-hander, 11-10 with a 3.80 ERA and 1.105 WHIP, faces Janson Junk, who is 6-9 with a 4.50 ERA.
- Wednesday: Kevin Gausman is scheduled to start for Chicago. He has a 5.04 ERA in 10 starts with the Cubs, while Ryan Gusto is expected to take the mound for Miami.
- Thursday: The Cubs’ starter remains listed as TBD. It would be Clay Holmes’ turn in the rotation, but that assignment had not been confirmed.
Imanaga’s Tuesday start is especially important for a Cubs team trying to maintain its late-season form. His 3.80 ERA and strong WHIP provide Chicago with a reliable opening option, while Junk’s 4.50 ERA gives the home team an opportunity to apply pressure early in the series.
Critical Wrigley Field History Favors Chicago
The Cubs have generally performed well against the Marlins at home. Chicago is 67-55 in regular-season games against Miami at Wrigley Field. However, the postseason history is very different: the Cubs are just 1-5 against the Marlins in playoff meetings.
Chicago won two of three games when Miami last visited Wrigley Field in May 2025. That series came 495 days before this matchup, during which the Cubs played 274 games. The teams also met in Miami from September 4-6, with Chicago winning the first two games before dropping the finale.
A home sweep has been difficult to achieve in this matchup. The Cubs’ last sweep of the Marlins at Wrigley Field came from May 7-9, 2018. They swept Miami on the road the following April, but the Marlins have also swept Chicago twice in Miami, in 2021 and 2023.
Explosive Opportunity Before the Postseason
Miami’s road record gives Chicago another reason for optimism. The Marlins are 31-47 away from home, compared with a much stronger 45-33 record in Miami. The Cubs already took two of three during their recent visit to South Florida and now have the benefit of playing in front of their home crowd.
For Chicago, the goal is straightforward: secure another series victory and enter the final weekend with confidence. A sweep would provide an even bigger boost, although the Marlins remain capable of disrupting the Cubs’ plans with timely hitting and effective bullpen work.
The series also carries added importance because it is the Cubs’ final regular-season home appearance. After Thursday’s afternoon game, Chicago will travel to Fenway Park for a three-game series against the Red Sox. The schedule could be affected by weather, adding another layer of uncertainty to the final week.
Game Times and Television Schedule
- Tuesday, September 22: 6:40 p.m. Central, Marquee Sports Network
- Wednesday, September 23: 6:40 p.m. Central, Marquee Sports Network
- Thursday, September 24: 1:20 p.m. Central, Marquee Sports Network
As reported by Bleed Cubbie Blue, the Cubs appear positioned to win at least two games in the series, with a realistic chance to complete a sweep. Their recent series success, Miami’s road struggles, and the pitching setup all point toward a favorable opportunity for Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Marlins vs Cubs series?
The three-game series is scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, September 22-24, 2026, at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Who is starting Tuesday for the Cubs?
Shōta Imanaga is scheduled to start Tuesday against Miami right-hander Janson Junk.
Where can fans watch the games?
All three games are scheduled to air on Marquee Sports Network.
Did the Cubs recently play the Marlins?
Yes. Chicago played Miami in South Florida earlier in September and won two of three games.
What comes next for Chicago?
The Cubs travel to Fenway Park for their final regular-season series against the Boston Red Sox.
