The Chicago Cubs (80–60) open a three-game series against the Washington Nationals (56–83) at Wrigley Field on Friday. First pitch is set for 2:20 PM ET, live only on Apple TV+.
Pete Crow-Armstrong returns to the Cubs’ lineup after three days off. The young All-Star started the season hot but has struggled since the break. Chicago hopes his bat comes alive as they chase the NL Central title.
For Washington, Jake Irvin starts on the mound with Riley Adams catching. CJ Abrams is back at shortstop, while Dylan Crews will sit out. The Cubs will counter with Javier Assad, with Willi Castro filling in for injured Kyle Tucker in right field.
Wrigley’s weather could play a big role, with winds up to 20 mph blowing toward right field. Expect a game that favors hitters.
Watch live on Apple TV+ or listen on 106.7 The Fan.
Player to Watch: Pete Crow-Armstrong
All eyes will be on Pete Crow-Armstrong as he returns to the Cubs’ starting lineup. The 22-year-old center fielder was one of Chicago’s brightest stars in the first half of the season, earning his first MLB All-Star selection after hitting .265 with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs before the break.
Since July, however, his bat has gone quiet. He managed only .160 in August, with just three home runs and 12 RBIs. Manager Craig Counsell gave him a short break earlier this week, hoping the reset will help him regain his confidence at the plate.
Despite his struggles, Crow-Armstrong remains a key piece for Chicago. His defense in center field is elite, and if his offense picks up again, he could play a major role in the Cubs’ playoff push. Friday’s game against the Nationals offers him a chance to get back on track in front of the Wrigley Field crowd.
Wind Watch at Wrigley
Weather is always a factor at Wrigley Field, and Friday’s matchup could be heavily influenced by the wind. Forecasts call for gusts up to 20 mph blowing out toward right field, which means balls hit in the air could carry farther than usual.
That’s good news for power hitters on both sides, but it also creates a challenge for pitchers. Keeping the ball on the ground will be the key to avoiding big innings. Even routine fly balls could turn into extra-base hits with the wind pushing them.
For fans, it could make the game even more exciting. Wrigley Field is known for unpredictable conditions, and with the Cubs pushing for a playoff spot, every run will matter. Expect plenty of action if the wind keeps up throughout the afternoon.
Today’s Starting Pitchers
The Washington Nationals will send Jake Irvin to the mound. He comes into the game after helping the Nats sweep the Miami Marlins. With winds blowing out at Wrigley, Irvin’s focus will be on keeping the ball low and forcing groundouts. He’ll be working with Riley Adams behind the plate.
For the Chicago Cubs, Javier Assad gets the start. Assad was strong in 2024 but has been shuffled in and out of the rotation this season. He’ll look to prove his value in a key spot as the Cubs fight for a postseason berth. The team will count on him to keep Washington’s young lineup quiet and avoid giving up long balls in hitter-friendly conditions.
This pitching matchup sets the stage for a game that could swing quickly depending on who controls the strike zone early.
Nationals Lineup Watch
The Nationals continue to shuffle their lineup as they focus on developing young talent. CJ Abrams is back at shortstop, giving Washington a spark on defense and speed on the bases. Andres Chaparro takes over at first base, while top prospect Dylan Crews gets a day off after recent struggles at the plate. Nasim Nunez, who had a strong showing earlier in the week, will return to the bench in this one.
Cubs Lineup Update
The Cubs’ lineup remains mostly steady, with only a few changes. Kyle Tucker is still sidelined with a minor injury, so Willi Castro will get the start in right field. Behind the plate, Reese McGuire takes over catching duties from Carson Kelly. Aside from those adjustments, Chicago fields its usual core as it pushes toward the postseason.
What’s on the Line
For the Cubs, the mission is clear: keep winning to stay alive in the NL Central race. They trail the Brewers but still have a chance to close the gap. Every game at Wrigley carries extra weight as the playoff push heats up.
For the Nationals, this season has been about growth and experience. They may be out of the playoff picture, but they’ve shown they can play spoiler — especially after sweeping Miami. A strong showing against Chicago would be another step forward for their young roster.
How to Watch Live
- Date: Friday, September 6, 2025
- Time: 2:20 PM ET
- Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
- TV/Streaming: Exclusively on Apple TV+ (subscription required)
- Radio: 106.7 The Fan (Washington, DC) / DC 87.7