The Seattle Mariners welcome the Chicago Cubs to T-Mobile Park on Sunday, August 23, 2026, for a 4:10 PM ET first pitch that sets up one of the more compelling pitching matchups of the regular season. Bryce Miller gets the ball for Seattle against left-hander Shota Imanaga, a former Mariner nemesis now firmly entrenched as one of the National League's better starters. With both rotations sending out legitimate arms, this one has the feel of a low-scoring, grind-it-out afternoon in the Pacific Northwest.

Pitching Matchup: Bryce Miller vs. Shota Imanaga

Miller has developed into a reliable presence at the top of Seattle's rotation, leaning heavily on his elite fastball command to generate weak contact and keep lineups off balance. He'll need every bit of that sharpness against a Cubs lineup that features legitimate run-producing threats top to bottom.

Imanaga brings a deceptive, multi-pitch arsenal to the mound and has shown he can neutralize right-handed-heavy lineups with ease. The Mariners will need to stay disciplined at the plate and avoid chasing his sweeper out of the zone — easier said than done for most clubs.

Seattle Mariners Lineup and Keys to Watch

Manager Scott Servais has constructed a lineup with genuine length. Randy Arozarena leads off in left field, followed by Dominic Canzone in the DH spot. Julio Rodríguez bats third in center field, with Cal Raleigh — one of the most productive catchers in the American League — hitting cleanup. Josh Naylor rounds out the middle of the order at first base.

• Julio Rodríguez vs. Imanaga: J-Rod's plate discipline will be critical. Imanaga lives on swings outside the strike zone. If Rodríguez works counts and gets into hitter's counts, Seattle can generate real damage in the middle innings.
• Cal Raleigh's bat: Raleigh is the kind of run-producer who can single-handedly change the outcome of a pitcher's duel. One mistake from Imanaga and the Big Dumper makes it count.
• Cole Young and Leo Rivas at the bottom: Young at second base and Rivas at shortstop represent the younger end of this lineup. Getting on base ahead of Arozarena matters — if they can manufacture anything, it turns the lineup over in a hurry.

Chicago Cubs Lineup and Threats

Chicago is no pushover. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads off in center and brings speed and on-base ability that can unsettle a pitcher early. Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch follow, and then Alex Bregman — a proven postseason-caliber hitter — bats fourth at third base. Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Conforto give the Cubs experienced bats throughout.

• Alex Bregman: The biggest threat in this lineup against Miller. Bregman's plate discipline and power to all fields make him dangerous in any count.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong's legs: If he gets on base, Miller needs to be mindful of the running game early. Stolen base attempts can disrupt rhythm and put pressure on Raleigh.
• Seiya Suzuki: A quality bat who can do damage against right-handed pitching. Miller will need to mix his locations carefully.

Prediction

This game is decided by pitching and defense, and T-Mobile Park suits that kind of baseball. Miller has the stuff to keep Chicago's lineup to three runs or fewer, and that should be enough if the Mariners can scratch across two or three against Imanaga — who will not make it easy. Look for Raleigh to provide the difference-making hit, and Miller to go six-plus innings in a 3-2 Mariners win. Catch the action on Mariners.TV or locally on Seattle Sports 710 AM.