The Cubs return to Wrigley on Wednesday night needing a steadier finish to their Atlanta series. Shōta Imanaga starts against the Braves with Chicago trying to turn a difficult stretch into a useful final push before an off day and a weekend trip to Cincinnati.
Imanaga has given the Cubs two strong starts in a row. His latest outing against Pittsburgh was not spotless, but he limited the damage over six innings and kept the game within reach. The conditions should help: the wind is expected to blow in at Wrigley, a factor that rewards a pitcher who can change speeds and keep the ball in the park.
The Cubs lineup has Pete Crow-Armstrong in center, Seiya Suzuki in right, Michael Busch at first and Alex Bregman at third. Crow-Armstrong remains the center of Chicago’s season-long offensive story, while the evening’s setup may require the Cubs to manufacture runs rather than wait for a string of deep drives.
Atlanta’s starter is Darius Vines Ritchie, who held Chicago to one run on two hits in their earlier meeting. That prior look gives the Braves a useful reference point, but it also gives Chicago a clear assignment: force better counts and avoid letting the rookie dictate the at-bat.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Central at Wrigley Field. The game is available on Marquee Sports Network and The Score.
