Diamondbacks and Cubs Set for Post-All-Star Showdown
As the second half of the MLB season kicks into high gear, two teams riding high on late first-half momentum are set to clash at Wrigley Field. The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs, both aiming to capitalize on their recent successes, will commence a three-game series on Friday, promising an exciting contest for fans and significant implications for both squads.
The Diamondbacks, sitting at 49-48, have shown resilience and tenacity, securing victories in eight of their last twelve games before the All-Star break. This spurt positioned them second in the competitive National League West. Central to their recent form is second baseman Ketel Marte, who has been a standout performer throughout the season. Boasting a .292 batting average with 19 doubles, two triples, and 19 home runs, Marte has been instrumental, driving in 57 runs and crossing the plate 64 times himself.
Marte's impact was evident in their tight 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the break, where he went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. His proficiency against the Cubs is noteworthy; in 30 career games against Chicago, he averages .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBIs. Notably, Marte carried formidable form into the break with five multi-hit games in his last nine appearances.
Joining Marte in wielding a hot bat is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has recorded hits in nine of his past ten games. Gurriel showcased his prowess in a 2-for-5 outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3, where he accrued a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs. In career matchups against the Cubs, Gurriel has proven effective, amassing two doubles, two homers, and nine RBIs in just 12 games.
Taking the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson. The right-hander has a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA this season, offering a mix of promise and inconsistency. As the Diamondbacks look to set the tone for the series, a strong outing from Nelson will be critical.
On the other side, the Chicago Cubs, currently 47-51 and fifth in the NL Central, are just 3.5 games out of the Wild Card spot. Their recent form, winning eight of their last eleven games, underscores their potential to make a second-half push. They carry the psychological edge of having won the head-to-head series earlier in the season, taking two out of three games in Phoenix.
The Cubs will pin their hopes on Justin Steele for the opener. Boasting a 2-3 record and a stellar 2.71 ERA, Steele has been reliable on the mound. His last two starts have both been victories, including an impressive seven-inning, three-hit shutout against Baltimore on July 18, where he also struck out four. Over the course of the season, Steele's performance has been consistent, pitching 86.1 innings across 14 starts, allowing 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and striking out 81.
First baseman Michael Busch is another key player to watch. Busch delivered a solid performance in the last series before the break, going 3-for-5 with a double in a narrow 5-4 loss to St. Louis. His explosive contributions during a three-game sweep at Baltimore, where he went 8-for-15 with three doubles, one homer, and four RBIs, were nothing short of spectacular. This season, Busch is batting .271, with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs across 91 games.
Historically, the Diamondbacks hold a slight edge in the all-time series against the Cubs with a 98-85 record. Despite this, the games at Wrigley Field have traditionally favored the Cubs, who lead 46-43 in their home stadium. With the first pitch set for 2:20 p.m. ET and the Diamondbacks being slight favorites on the money line at –119, the game promises to be tightly contested. Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs, indicating expectations for a balanced clash.
As the second half of the season unfolds, both teams will look to their key players and recent form to propel them forward. For fans and analysts alike, the ensuing series will be a crucial barometer of what’s to come as these squads battle for postseason aspirations.