Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction, Odds & Key Players – MLB Game Preview for September 5, 2025

Friday, September 5th, 2025

Washington Nationals Face Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field

The Washington Nationals continue their road trip with a visit to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon. The Nationals, currently seated fifth in the NL East with a 56-83 record, are eyeing their fourth meeting with the Cubs this season while riding a three-game winning streak. The Cubs, sitting second in the NL Central at 80-60, look to protect their strong home record and maintain playoff position.

Pitching Matchup

The Nationals will send Jake Irvin (8-10, 5.42 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 102 strikeouts) to the mound. He’ll face Cubs right-hander Javier Assad (1-1, 4.05 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 10 strikeouts). With the Cubs favored at -233 and the Nationals at +190, oddsmakers expect an offensive matchup, targeting an over/under of 10.5 runs.

Team Breakdown

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs boast a 43-26 home record and feature an offense with a collective .427 slugging percentage, ranking seventh in Major League Baseball. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the lineup with 28 home runs and a .493 slugging mark. Over the last 10 games, Kyle Tucker has provided key hits, going 15 for 36 with four doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBI.

Washington Nationals

Washington has struggled on the road with a 27-41 record but has excelled when keeping opponents in the park, going 31-16 in games where they’ve avoided surrendering a home run. Luis Garcia is a core contributor, posting 26 doubles, a triple, 11 home runs, and 57 RBI this season. Nasim Nunez has surged lately, collecting three hits in his last four at-bats, including two home runs over the past 10 games.

Recent Performance

Over the last 10 games, the Cubs are 5-5 with a .245 batting average and a 5.27 ERA, having been outscored by 10 runs. The Nationals are 3-7, batting .232 with a 4.81 ERA, and have been outscored by 18 runs in the same span.

Weather

Today at Wrigley Field, expect mild conditions for baseball with temperatures in the mid-70s, mostly clear skies, and little to no chance of precipitation. Winds will be light out of the west, making for ideal playing and viewing weather.

Injuries

Chicago Cubs

Kyle Tucker is listed as day-to-day with a calf issue. The pitching staff faces depth challenges with Mike Soroka (shoulder), Jameson Taillon (groin), Ryan Brasier (groin), Eli Morgan (elbow), and Justin Steele (elbow) all on the injured list. Catcher Miguel Amaya is out with an ankle injury.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals’ injury list includes Drew Millas (finger), MacKenzie Gore (shoulder), Trevor Williams (elbow), Keibert Ruiz (concussion), Derek Law (forearm), DJ Herz (elbow), and Josiah Gray (elbow).

In summary

This MLB matchup at Wrigley Field features the surging Washington Nationals looking to extend their win streak against the playoff-contending Chicago Cubs. With strong individual performances, favorable weather, and both teams seeking momentum late in the season, this game is set up for a competitive Friday afternoon of baseball.

Related Links

• Washington Nationals News & Updates
• Washington Nationals Schedule & Scores
• Chicago Cubs News & Updates
• Chicago Cubs Schedule & Scores
• MLB News