Cubs aim to clinch playoff spot as they face Rays in final showdown at Wrigley Field
Cubs Look to Secure Series Victory
As the Chicago Cubs prepare for their final matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, all eyes are on Wrigley Field this Sunday afternoon. With the memories of Anthony Rizzo’s retirement ceremony still fresh, the Cubs (84-64) will aim to capitalize on the emotional boost that Saturday’s festivities provided. Rizzo, a beloved figure in the franchise’s history, received a heartfelt sendoff, including a first pitch and a moment in the left field bleachers that almost saw him snag Moises Ballesteros’ first career home run.
This game not only holds sentimental value but is also crucial for the Cubs’ playoff aspirations. With every victory inching them closer to securing their first postseason berth since 2020, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Game Details and Viewing Options
Date: Sunday, September 14
Time: 1:20 p.m. CT
Where to Watch:
– Cubs: Marquee Sports Network
– Rays: FanDuel Sports Network
Radio Coverage:
– Cubs: 670 The Score, WRTO 1200
– Rays: WDAE 620 AM/95.3 FM, WQBN/1300 AM
Probable Pitchers for Sunday’s Matchup
Cubs: Shota Imanaga (LHP, 9-7, 3.21 ERA)
Imanaga has been a reliable presence on the mound, consistently delivering at least six innings in his last seven starts. Despite holding a 1-3 record during this stretch, his 3.13 ERA, along with an impressive 38 strikeouts against just six walks over 46 innings, highlights his potential. His WHIP stands at a remarkable 0.74. Though an injury earlier in the season has hindered his ability to match last year’s performance, he remains a critical piece for the Cubs as they look ahead to the playoffs.
Rays: Adrian Houser (RHP, 8-4, 3.11 ERA)
Houser’s journey has been anything but conventional. Starting the season as a minor league signing and non-roster invitee at the Texas Rangers camp, he has since proven his worth, especially after being picked up by the Chicago White Sox. His tenure in Tampa Bay has not significantly impacted the franchise’s playoff ambitions, but he boasts solid statistics with 83 strikeouts and 32 walks across 107.1 innings. As he looks to cement his role, Houser’s performance could make him an attractive back-of-the-rotation option for teams in 2026.
Injury Updates Impacting the Cubs
The Cubs are managing a few injuries as they approach this critical game:
Kyle Tucker, OF (10-day IL, left calf tightness): Tucker is expected to begin running on Monday.
Miguel Amaya, C (10-day IL, left ankle sprain): The Cubs hope Amaya can start a rehab assignment next week.
Daniel Palencia, RHP (15-day IL, right shoulder strain): Palencia is currently progressing through a throwing regimen.
Michael Soroka, RHP (15-day IL, right shoulder discomfort): Soroka is slated to make his next start with the Cubs after a rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa.
Ryan Brasier, RHP (15-day IL, left groin strain): There are no recent updates on Brasier since his bullpen session in Atlanta.
Long-Term Injuries
Eli Morgan, RHP (60-day IL, right elbow): Morgan is on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa.
Justin Steele, LHP (60-day IL, left elbow surgery): Steele is out for the season following surgery.
As the Cubs gear up for this pivotal game against the Rays, the excitement at Wrigley Field is palpable. Fans are hopeful that their team can clinch that elusive playoff spot, continuing the momentum gained from honoring one of their all-time greats.
