The Arizona Diamondbacks return to Chase Field on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, for a 3:40 p.m. ET matchup against the Chicago Cubs. Eduardo Rodriguez gets the ball for Arizona against left-hander Matthew Boyd, who toes the rubber for Chicago. With a lineup featuring Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, and newly slotted DH Nolan Arenado, the D-backs have weapons throughout the order. This is a regular season game with real stakes, and the Cubs are bringing a legitimate lineup of their own — Alex Bregman hitting third, Seiya Suzuki second, and Pete Crow-Armstrong leading things off. Neither side is here to give anything away.

Pitching Matchup: Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Matthew Boyd

Rodriguez gets the starting assignment for the Diamondbacks. The left-hander has been a key part of Arizona's rotation, and home starts at Chase Field — where the roof and conditions can be managed — tend to suit pitchers who work with movement and command. Boyd, the Cubs' probable, is a veteran left-hander who relies on deception and pitch sequencing. Without current ERA or record data available for either pitcher, the matchup comes down to execution on the day. Watch for how each starter handles the opposing lineup's left-right balance — both clubs have mixed lineups that can create real matchup chess in the middle innings.

Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup

• 1. Ildemaro Vargas, 2B
• 2. Corbin Carroll, RF
• 3. Geraldo Perdomo, SS
• 4. Nolan Arenado, DH
• 5. Tim Tawa, 1B
• 6. Jose Fernandez, 3B
• 7. James McCann, C
• 8. Jordan Lawlar, CF
• 9. Ryan Waldschmidt, LF

Chicago Cubs Lineup

• 1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
• 2. Seiya Suzuki, RF
• 3. Alex Bregman, DH
• 4. Michael Busch, 1B
• 5. Nico Hoerner, SS
• 6. Tyrone Taylor, LF
• 7. Pedro Ramírez, 3B
• 8. Carson Kelly, C
• 9. Gabriel Arias, 2B

Keys to Watch at Chase Field

Corbin Carroll in the Two-Hole

Carroll batting second gives Arizona speed and on-base ability right behind the leadoff spot. If Vargas can get on, Carroll's ability to put the ball in play — or take an extra base — sets the table for Perdomo and Arenado. That 2-3-4 sequence is where Arizona's offense can do the most damage early.

Arenado in the Lineup

Nolan Arenado slotting in at DH is worth noting. A proven run producer in the middle of the order gives Arizona's lineup a credible threat with runners on base. How he handles Boyd's left-handed offerings will be a subplot worth tracking throughout the afternoon.

Crow-Armstrong and Chicago's Top of the Order

Pete Crow-Armstrong leading off for the Cubs means Arizona's defense and Rodriguez will need to be sharp early. Crow-Armstrong is an aggressive, athletic presence at the top of a lineup that has legitimate pop with Bregman and Busch behind him. If Rodriguez can limit the Cubs' top three hitters, Arizona's offense should have enough to work with.

Jordan Lawlar Batting Eighth

Lawlar hitting eighth keeps an athletic, young bat near the bottom of the order — a spot where he can do real damage if the lineup turns over. Keep an eye on whether he gets on base ahead of Waldschmidt and the top of the order in late innings.

Prediction

This is a competitive mid-afternoon game between two clubs with real offensive firepower. At Chase Field, with the crowd behind them and Arenado anchoring the lineup, Arizona has the edge. If Rodriguez comes out with command and gets through five or six innings without a big inning, the D-backs bullpen can close this out. Diamondbacks 4, Cubs 2.

Catch the game on DBACKS.TV or Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. Spanish-language coverage is available on La Campesina 101.9 FM and 860 AM.