Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs seek series sweep of Marlins

The Chicago Cubs will look to strengthen their position atop the National League wild-card race on Sunday when they bid for a three-game sweep against the host Miami Marlins.

Chicago (81-62) is led by center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is the current favorite to win National League Most Valuable Player Award.

Armstrong has posted career-high totals in triples (seven), homers (39) and runs (105) to go along with 28 doubles, 94 RBIs, 33 steals and a .943 OPS.

"Looking at Pete, he's the kind of player who is going to leave his mark in history," Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga said of Armstrong, who needs one more homer to become the first Cub since Derrek Lee in 2005 to reach 40 in a season. "Having him behind me (defensively) means so much. Without Pete, we wouldn't be where we are."

The Cubs lead the majors in several offensive statistics, including runs, walks, total bases, slugging percentage, OPS and homers.

"Credit the Cubs," Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said following Saturday's 6-5 loss to Chicago. "It's a good lineup, not only with the ability to do damage but also how they work at-bats."

Aside from Armstrong, three Cubs players have hit more than 20 homers: third baseman Alex Bregman (24); right fielder Seiya Suzuki (24); and left fielder Ian Happ (23). Middle infielder Nico Hoerner, with 22 steals, gives Chicago speed along with Armstrong.

Chicago's pitching hasn't been as strong, entering the weekend ranked 17th in the majors in ERA. But acquiring Clay Holmes and David Peterson in two separate trades with the Mets have reinforced the pitching staff. The Mets also are the same franchise the Cubs used to acquire Armstrong and fellow outfielder Tyrone Taylor, who has been hot lately.

Holmes (6-6, 2.09 ERA), Sunday's expected starter, scattered five hits over six scoreless innings in a 17-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers last Monday.

He is 3-1 with a 3.19 ERA in 13 career appearances (four starts) versus Miami.

Meanwhile, the Marlins (71-72) are in contention but currently four games outside of a wild-card playoff berth.

Miami will start right-hander Tyler Phillips (4-6, 3.43). Phillips, 28, has pitched just one inning against the Cubs, allowing two hits and no runs on May 21, 2025.

For his career, Phillips is much better as a reliever (2.49 ERA in 71 appearances) than as a starter (5.12 ERA in 24 games).

On the positive side for Phillips, he has a better career ERA at home (2.83) than on the road (4.86).

Miami's bullpen is a bit thin due to injuries to closer Pete Fairbanks and set-up man Anthony Bender.

In addition, second baseman Xavier Edwards is out due to a thumb injury.

But players such as Griffin Conine and Kyle Stowers -- who both homered on Saturday -- have stepped up for Miami. Conine has been an especially good story as he is finally shedding his injuries.

"Griffin has earned the opportunities he's getting," McCullough said. "His at-bat quality is getting better. I'm not surprised with his power (15 homers in 75 games)."

--Field Level Media