The Cubs are scheduled to host the Athletics on Thursday, June 4, with first pitch set for 7:05 CT.
Chicago listed right-hander Shota Imanaga as its starter for the series finale; Imanaga entered the week with a 2.32 ERA through his first nine starts but has allowed eight earned runs, seven earned runs and five runs across his last three outings.
The A's countered by naming right-hander J.T. Ginn to take the mound, and the club tabbed rookie center fielder Henry Bolte as the leadoff hitter. Oakland comes into the night on a local high after scoring two runs in the eighth inning to tie the game in their most recent outing, then holding on in the ninth; that win pushed the Athletics to their 30th on the year and moved them past the Texas Rangers into second place.
The matchup carries a clear short-term storyline: the Athletics are trying to complete a sweep they have not managed since early April, while the Cubs are under pressure to avoid a home sweep of their own. Fans who want to follow the game can watch on NBCSCA or listen on Talk 650 KSTE and A's Cast.
The late-night spot for Cubs fans also revives an open question outside the box score — which Cub should make the All‑Star Game — a debate tracked in our live thread for the series; see Shea Langeliers and the All‑Star debate: Cubs vs. Athletics live thread 6/4 for ongoing discussion.
What matters next is simple: Thursday's 7:05 CT start gives Imanaga a chance to shake off recent trouble and gives the A's a shot at a sweep and a continued climb in the standings; which Cub emerges as an All‑Star candidate may hinge on who performs in this series finale.
