Chicago Cubs Lineup (4/4/26): Busch Leads Off, Shaw in RF, Imanaga Starting

The Cubs look to get back on track against the Diamondbacks' Slade Cecconi after dropping the series opener.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:08pm

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The Chicago Cubs will look to bounce back from yesterday's loss as they face the Arizona Diamondbacks and pitcher Slade Cecconi. With the Cubs' best starter, Cade Hortong, exiting his last outing with forearm tightness, the rest of the rotation will need to step up, starting with Shota Imanaga on the mound tonight. The Cubs' offense has struggled to score runs in their losses this season, and they'll hope to break out against the hittable Cecconi.

Why it matters

The Cubs' season has been defined by their inability to win or lose more than one game in a row so far. After dropping yesterday's series opener, they'll need to get back on track to avoid falling behind in the NL Central race. The health of Cade Hortong is also a major concern, as the Cubs' rotation depth will be tested if he misses significant time.

The details

Shota Imanaga will take the mound for the Cubs, looking to rebound after a shaky season debut in which he gave up a two-run homer. The Cubs will also be facing Diamondbacks pitcher Slade Cecconi, who has struggled with the long ball in his young MLB career. Cecconi's velocity was down significantly in his first start of the season, which could present an opportunity for the Cubs' offense to break out.

  • The game is scheduled for 6:15pm CT on April 4, 2026.
  • Cade Hortong exited his last start in the 2nd inning with forearm tightness on April 3, 2026.

The players

Shota Imanaga

A starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who has struggled with home runs in his career, giving up 33 in his last 25 starts dating back to last season.

Slade Cecconi

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has allowed 45 home runs in just over 240 career innings in the majors.

Cade Hortong

The Cubs' best starting pitcher, who exited his last outing with forearm tightness, raising concerns about his health and the depth of the Cubs' rotation.

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What they’re saying

“It's just really hard to dismiss in light of Imanaga's track record.”

— Evan Altman, Author

“While we have every reason to believe they'll be able to hang a crooked number against him, those matchups often seem to be the most vexing.”

— Evan Altman, Author

What’s next

The Cubs and Diamondbacks will play the second game of their series on April 5, 2026. The status of Cade Hortong's injury will be a key storyline to monitor in the coming days.

The takeaway

The Cubs' season has been defined by their inability to win or lose more than one game in a row, and they'll need to get back on track against the Diamondbacks to avoid falling behind in the NL Central race. The health of their ace, Cade Hortong, is also a major concern, as the depth of their rotation will be tested if he misses significant time.