Cubs Fall to Marlins in 12, Face Rotation Questions With Steele Nearing Return
The short version
- Cubs lost 8-2 to the Marlins in 12 innings, missing a chance to clinch a playoff spot
- Chicago is in a three-way NL wild-card tie with the Phillies and Padres with five games left
- Shota Imanaga has a 1.96 ERA over four September starts
- Justin Steele, out of the majors since April 2025, could return this weekend in Boston
- Heavy rain forecast in Boston could disrupt the Cubs' final series against the Red Sox
Chicago wasted a chance to clinch a playoff spot in an 8-2, 12-inning loss to Miami and now must sort out its pitching plans for the final week.
The Chicago Cubs missed a chance to lock up a playoff berth Tuesday night, falling 8-2 to the Miami Marlins in 12 innings. Chicago needed a win or an Arizona Diamondbacks loss to clinch a National League wild-card spot, but the defeat, combined with Philadelphia beating Milwaukee and San Diego losing to the Dodgers, left the Cubs in a three-way tie with five games remaining.
The Cubs had their opportunities. Matt Shaw popped up a bunt attempt with runners on first and second in the 10th, and Ian Happ followed with a deep fly out that likely would have won the game had the bunt succeeded. Miami then broke the game open with six runs in the 12th. Chicago finished 1-for-18 with runners in scoring position and stranded 15 baserunners.
Shota Imanaga turned in a strong start, allowing one run over five innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. Across four September starts, the left-hander has a 1.96 ERA with just two walks and no home runs allowed.
Rotation planning is now a pressing issue. Kevin Gausman is set to start Wednesday against the Marlins, while Thursday's starter had not been announced. Forecasts call for heavy rain in Boston this weekend, where the Cubs close the regular season against the Red Sox, and any weather disruptions could further complicate pitching plans with the wild-card series expected to begin Tuesday.
Manager Craig Counsell said left-hander Justin Steele, who has not pitched in the majors since April 2025, is an option for the weekend series. Steele is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, and activating him would require roster moves.