The Miami Marlins return to loanDepot park on Friday, September 4, 2026, for a 7:10 PM ET regular season matchup against the Chicago Cubs. Janson Junk takes the ball for Miami against one of the more intriguing left-handers in the National League in Shota Imanaga. With September baseball in full swing and every game carrying real weight in the standings, this is a contest Miami needs to treat as must-watch. South Florida, this one counts.
Starting Pitching Matchup: Janson Junk vs. Shota Imanaga
Janson Junk gets the nod for the Marlins. Junk has carved out a place in this rotation through competitiveness and a willingness to attack hitters, and Friday night is his opportunity to be the difference-maker on a big September stage at home. The loanDepot park crowd can absolutely be a factor if Junk gives them something to cheer about early.
On the other side, the Cubs send Shota Imanaga, the Japanese left-hander who has established himself as a legitimate front-of-rotation arm in Chicago. Imanaga generates weak contact and works both sides of the plate effectively. Miami hitters will need a disciplined approach — work counts, look for pitches to drive, and do not let Imanaga cruise through the lineup unchallenged. Chasing early will make for a long night at the plate.
Keys to Watch for the Marlins
- Junk's command early: If Junk can establish his fastball and keep the Cubs off balance in the first three innings, Miami has a legitimate path to a quality start. Falling behind counts against a disciplined Cubs lineup is a quick way to see the pitch count spike.
- Plate discipline against Imanaga: Imanaga's value comes from keeping hitters uncomfortable. Miami's offense needs to grind at-bats, avoid chasing breaking balls off the plate, and put together multi-pitch at-bats to expose any vulnerability late in his outing.
- Bullpen management: September rosters are expanded, which gives the Marlins more arms. Smart bullpen deployment in the middle innings could be the edge if the game stays close into the sixth and seventh.
- Home energy: loanDepot park in September with something meaningful on the line is a different environment. Miami feeds off that crowd energy, and a strong start from Junk can get that ballpark loud early.
Prediction
This is a tough draw. Imanaga is a quality arm and the Cubs are a professional ballclub that does not beat itself. But the Marlins are at home, and Junk has shown the ability to compete when the moment calls for it. If Miami's offense can manufacture something against Imanaga in the middle innings and Junk logs five or six solid frames, this game is very winnable. Expect a close, low-scoring game decided by a run or two. Marlins edge it out, 3-2, on a night when home field makes just enough of a difference.
Coverage begins at 7:10 PM ET. Watch on CW 33 WBFS or Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia. Listen locally on 560AM WQAM or in Spanish on WAQI 710.
