Chicago Cubs Vs. Arizona Diamondbacks: The Chicago Cubs (1-3) are in Phoenix to face the Arizona Diamondbacks (1-1) on Saturday night at Chase Field. Both teams are still looking to find their footing early in the season, so this should be a good one. Here’s what you need to know.
Game Details and Betting Odds
When: Saturday, 8:10 p.m. EDT
Where: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
Pitching Probables:
- Cubs: Shota Imanaga (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, two strikeouts)
- Diamondbacks: Brandon Pfaadt (0-0)
Betting Line (via BetMGM Sportsbook):
- Diamondbacks -121
- Cubs +102
- Over/Under: 8 ½ runs
The D-backs are slight favorites so fans will want to see if they can take advantage of their home field or if the Cubs can pull off the upset.
Last Season’s Performance: A Tale of Two Teams
Arizona Diamondbacks (89-73 Overall)
The D-backs had a good 2023 season, finishing 89-73. They were strong at home, 44-37 at Chase Field. They’re a power hitting team and averaged 3.2 extra base hits per game, 1.3 home runs per game, which was a big part of their success last season.
Chicago Cubs (83-79 Overall)
The Cubs had a decent season in 2023, going 83-79, but struggled on the road 39-42. They were a consistent offense, averaging 8.1 hits per game, .242 as a team, and .393 slugging. Not as explosive as the D-backs, but they’re a balanced offense.
Injury Report: Key Players Out for Both Teams
Both teams are dealing with injuries heading into Saturday’s game. Here’s the breakdown:
Arizona Diamondbacks:
- Kendall Graveman: 15-Day IL (back)
- Blaze Alexander: 10-Day IL (oblique)
- Kevin Ginkel: 15-Day IL (shoulder)
- Jordan Montgomery: 60-Day IL (elbow)
- Blake Walston: 60-Day IL (elbow)
These injuries will hurt the Diamondbacks’ depth, especially in the bullpen and infield.
Chicago Cubs:
- Vidal Brujan: 10-Day IL (elbow)
- Tyson Miller: 15-Day IL (hip)
- Ryan Brasier: 15-Day IL (hip)
- Javier Assad: 15-Day IL (oblique)
The Cubs will miss Brujan and Assad and have to be flexible in their lineup early in the season.
What’s at Stake?
It’s early but every win counts. For the Diamondbacks, hosting the Cubs is a chance to establish themselves at home and build some confidence after splitting the first two games. For the Cubs, they need to bounce back from a tough start after losing three of their first four.
Key Storylines to Watch
Shota Imanaga’s MLB Debut
The spotlight is on Cubs starter Shota Imanaga as he makes his Major League debut. That buzz he generated during spring training has fans eager to see how he handles the bright lights of the regular season. And what a test that will be.
Brandon Pfaadt’s Redemption Arc
Brandon Pfaadt’s redemption arc is a storyline to watch for the Diamondbacks. After a rocky rookie season in 2023, Pfaadt is looking to prove he belongs in the rotation—and help stabilize that pitching staff. He’s got a chance to turn things around this year.
Home Runs vs. Pitching Duels
This game could go either way. Arizona’s offense is built for the long ball, and the over/under is set at 8 ½ runs. That’s got to make you wonder: will the offenses break through, or will the pitchers dominate the game. Either way, it should be an entertaining matchup.
Leave a Reply