Red Sox and Cubs Will Play Friday Doubleheader
The teams rescheduled their Sunday game to a split doubleheader due to a looming weather forecast.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Baseball
The Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs will move their Sunday game to a Friday split doubleheader. This change allows the teams to avoid inclement weather projected to impact Boston from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
Why it matters
The scheduling adjustment helps ensure the series concludes before the MLB playoffs begin next week. It also provides the Red Sox stability as they currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the postseason race.
The Red Sox are currently holding the second Wild Card spot as they look toward the postseason. The team plans to rely on pitchers Matthew Boyd and David Peterson for the upcoming contests.
The players
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team competing in the American League East.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team playing in the National League Central.
Justin Steele
Justin Steele is a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is currently recovering from an elbow injury.
Patrick Sandoval
Patrick Sandoval is a professional baseball pitcher currently slated to start for his team on Saturday.
The details
Boston faces a threat of inclement weather that persists from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, prompting the change. While the Cubs adjust their pitching rotation, Justin Steele is expected to return from the injured list this weekend.
Timeline
Friday: The teams will hold a split doubleheader.
Saturday: Patrick Sandoval is projected to start.
Friday evening through Sunday afternoon: Inclement weather is forecast in Boston.
Next week: The MLB playoffs begin.
Season Trajectory
This schedule shift is critical for the Red Sox as they fight to maintain their second Wild Card spot during the final days of the regular season. The change minimizes the risk of rainouts that could cause logistical issues for the league right before the start of the playoffs.
The move to a split doubleheader creates a specific challenge for the Red Sox pitching staff and fantasy managers tracking player usage. Investors in tickets for the Sunday game should check with the team regarding potential entry or refund policies for the moved date.
The takeaway
Teams frequently prioritize the completion of full series as the regular season reaches its final weekend to maintain competitive fairness. Fans should always verify game start times whenever inclement weather is forecast in the final days of a season.
Further reading
For more information on the current postseason race, visit Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
