The Arizona Diamondbacks host the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field on Tuesday, August 25, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET. Brandon Pfaadt climbs the mound for Arizona against Clay Holmes, who makes the start for Chicago. This is a regular season matchup with playoff positioning implications, making every game in the desert count right now. If you only catch one game this homestand, make it this one — two well-constructed lineups, a pair of intriguing arms, and a Chase Field crowd ready to make some noise.

Pitching Matchup: Brandon Pfaadt vs. Clay Holmes

Pfaadt gets the ball for the D-backs, continuing what has been a pivotal role for him in Arizona's rotation. The right-hander has shown the ability to miss bats and generate weak contact, and he will need both skills against a Cubs lineup that is stacked top to bottom. Holmes, best known for his time as a reliever before transitioning into a starting role, brings a heavy sinker that can be devastating when his command is sharp. If he can keep the ball on the ground and limit the long ball, the Cubs have a legitimate shot at quieting Chase Field.

Arizona Diamondbacks Starting Lineup

• 1. Lars Nootbaar — DH
• 2. Corbin Carroll — RF
• 3. Gabriel Moreno — C
• 4. Geraldo Perdomo — SS
• 5. Max Kepler — LF
• 6. Nolan Arenado — 3B
• 7. Tim Tawa — 1B
• 8. Ildemaro Vargas — 2B
• 9. Jordan Lawlar — CF

Chicago Cubs Starting Lineup

• 1. Pete Crow-Armstrong — CF
• 2. Seiya Suzuki — RF
• 3. Michael Busch — 1B
• 4. Alex Bregman — 3B
• 5. Ian Happ — LF
• 6. Nico Hoerner — SS
• 7. Pedro Ramírez — 2B
• 8. Michael Conforto — DH
• 9. Miguel Amaya — C

Keys to Watch

Carroll and Perdomo Setting the Table

Corbin Carroll hitting second puts Arizona's speed and on-base ability near the top of the order where it can do the most damage. Geraldo Perdomo batting cleanup is a bold construction — it signals confidence in his ability to drive runners in and put pressure on Holmes in high-leverage situations. If those two are on base ahead of Kepler and Arenado, Arizona's offense has real teeth tonight.

Arenado in the Six Hole

Nolan Arenado batting sixth is a name that demands attention regardless of the lineup spot. Opposing pitchers cannot afford to lose focus just because they have navigated the top five. Arenado's presence keeps the pressure on Chicago's bullpen if Holmes exits early.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Leadoff Threat

The Cubs counter with Pete Crow-Armstrong at the top, a player whose speed and contact ability can change the dynamic of an inning in a hurry. If Crow-Armstrong gets on base against Pfaadt, Chicago can manufacture runs before the big bats — Bregman and Happ — even step in. Pfaadt will need to be sharp from the first pitch.

Bregman in the Middle of Chicago's Order

Alex Bregman batting fourth gives Chicago legitimate protection in the heart of their lineup. His ability to work counts and make contact in pressure situations makes him one of the more difficult outs Pfaadt will face. How Pfaadt handles Bregman in their head-to-head matchups could swing the outcome of this game.

Game Prediction

This one figures to be a competitive, lower-scoring affair given the pitching on both sides. Chase Field gives Arizona a home-field edge, and the D-backs lineup — particularly with Carroll, Moreno, and Arenado all capable of changing the game with one swing — has enough firepower to push across two or three runs against Holmes. Pfaadt will need to limit the Cubs' speed at the top of their order and keep Bregman in the ballpark. Edge: Diamondbacks, 4–2.