The Chicago Cubs visit the Arizona Diamondbacks to kick off a three-game series at Chase Field tonight, August 24, 2026, at 9:40 p.m. ET.
Why it matters: This matchup is key for both teams as they jockey for Wild Card positions in the National League. The Cubs are trying to solidify their playoff spot, holding a two-game lead over the Phillies, whereas the Diamondbacks aim to close the gap on the final Wild Card berth.
The Cubs enter the series with a 75-56 record, sitting second in the NL Central.
The Diamondbacks are 69-62, currently third in the NL West and two games behind the Padres for the final Wild Card spot.
Head-to-head results could be decisive for postseason tiebreakers if both teams finish with identical records.
Driving the news: The Cubs and Diamondbacks are coming off different recent performances. Chicago dropped two games against the Mariners, which has heightened the stakes for this series.
The Diamondbacks recently secured a series win against the Cincinnati Reds, including a comeback victory on August 23, 2026.
Both teams are vying for playoff positioning as the MLB regular season approaches its end.
Tonight's game marks the first of three between these two National League rivals.
State of play: The starting pitchers for tonight's game are Kevin Gausman for the Cubs and Merrill Kelly for the Diamondbacks.
Gausman has a record of 6-11 with a 4.58 ERA this season, looking to improve his performance after a rocky outing against the White Sox.
Kelly, meanwhile, has struggled in August, posting an 0-3 record and an 8.24 ERA over his last four starts.
Both pitchers are under pressure to deliver strong performances as their teams chase playoff aspirations.
What they're saying: Analysts have pointed out the significance of this series for both teams' postseason hopes.
"The Cubs need to regain their momentum after a tough series in Seattle," said a sports analyst. "This series against Arizona is a must-win to secure their Wild Card position."
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo emphasized the importance of winning at home, stating, "We need to capitalize on our chances against a strong team like the Cubs."
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the stakes for players in tonight's game.
Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong leads with 33 home runs this season, ranking 7th in MLB, along with 83 RBIs and 93 runs scored.
Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte is currently on the 10-day injured list due to knee inflammation, impacting the team's lineup significantly.
Gausman has improved his ground ball rate, achieving a 50% ground ball rate in his last start.
What's next: The series continues with games on August 25 and August 26, providing both teams with additional opportunities to strengthen their playoff bids.
Game two is scheduled for August 25 at 9:40 p.m. ET, followed by the series finale on August 26 at 3:40 p.m. ET.
Fans can watch the games on Marquee Sports Network and DBACKS.TV, with streaming options available through Fubo.
As the season closes, every game counts, making this series a potential turning point for both teams.
With both teams fighting for their postseason lives, expect an intense atmosphere at Chase Field tonight as the Cubs and Diamondbacks face off in a game that could shape the final weeks of the season.