The Miami Marlins wrap up another road series on Tuesday, September 22, heading to Wrigley Field for a 7:40 PM ET showdown against the Chicago Cubs. Janson Junk gets the ball for Miami in what is a meaningful late-season regular season contest. With the calendar flipping toward the final days of 2026, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Marlins need a quality outing from their starter to come away with a win on the North Side of Chicago.
Marlins at Cubs Game Preview: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
The Cubs have not announced a probable starter as of this writing, which adds an element of uncertainty to Miami's preparation. Whether Chicago turns to a veteran arm or rolls out a fresh face, the Marlins will need to make adjustments on the fly. That kind of adaptability has to come from the lineup — working counts, staying disciplined, and making a pitcher earn every out.
Janson Junk Takes the Mound for Miami
Janson Junk draws the start for the Marlins in this one. Pitching at Wrigley Field is no easy assignment — the ballpark's quirks, the wind off Lake Michigan, and a Cubs lineup that plays well at home all factor into the equation. Junk will need to command his arsenal and keep the ball in the park to give Miami a legitimate shot at walking out of Chicago with a win. There is no margin for extended damage in a late-September road game.
Keys to Watch for the Marlins
- Junk's command early: Getting through the Cubs lineup the first time with minimal damage will set the tone for the entire outing. If Junk can work efficiently through the early innings, the Marlins bullpen stays fresh.
- Identifying the Cubs starter: With no confirmed pitcher for Chicago, Miami's hitters will need to stay ready to adjust their approach depending on what they see in warmups and the first inning.
- Road discipline at the plate: Wrigley Field crowds can make things loud and uncomfortable. The Marlins' offense needs to stay patient and avoid chasing pitches out of the zone in a hostile environment.
- Bullpen depth: If Junk exits early, Miami's relief corps will be leaned on heavily. Managing the bullpen arms through a potential high-leverage late game is critical.
How to Watch Marlins at Cubs
Tuesday night's game can be seen on Marquee Sports Network for Cubs fans and on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig and Garcia for the Miami faithful. Spanish-language radio coverage is available on TUDN, WPPN 106.7, and WAQI 710 AM. English-language radio listeners can tune in to WQAM 104.3 or 104.3 The Score.
Prediction
This is a tough road spot. Wrigley Field in late September, facing a Cubs team playing in front of its home crowd, is never an easy night. Junk needs to be sharp from pitch one. If he can deliver five or six solid innings and keep the Marlins within striking distance, Miami's lineup has enough to manufacture some runs. This one feels like a grind. Marlins 4, Cubs 3 — but only if Junk holds up his end of the bargain.
