Sat Mar 29 21:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Diamondbacks and Cubs Clash in Highly Anticipated Opening Day Matchup

**Phoenix, AZ** – The Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs face off Thursday at 7:10 p.m. MST (9:10 p.m. CT) in a highly anticipated Opening Day matchup at Chase Field. Both teams enter the season with playoff aspirations, looking to overcome recent setbacks. The Diamondbacks aim to leave their disappointing 2024 season, which ended in a three-team tiebreaker, behind them. The Cubs, meanwhile, are hoping to rebound from an 0-2 start against the Dodgers in the Tokyo Series.

The game will feature a clash of star power. The Cubs boast newly acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, while the Diamondbacks’ prized offseason addition is right-hander Corbin Burnes, signed to a six-year, $210 million contract. Despite the hefty price tag, manager Torey Lovullo opted to start Zac Gallen for his third consecutive Opening Day, citing their established history and a 16-16 internal vote on the starter.

**Pitching Matchup:**

* **Cubs:** Left-hander Justin Steele will start, seeking to rebound from a rough outing in Tokyo.
* **Diamondbacks:** Right-hander Zac Gallen takes the mound for Arizona.

**Bullpen Strategies:**

The Cubs will rely heavily on new closer Ryan Pressly, while the Diamondbacks are eschewing a designated closer, instead opting for a matchup-based approach with A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez.

**Injury Updates:**

The Cubs will be without Javier Assad (oblique), Tyson Miller (hip), and Brasier (groin). The Diamondbacks suffered a significant blow with the season-ending elbow injury to Jordan Montgomery.

**Key Players to Watch:**

Cubs’ Cody Bellinger and Brennen Davis showed strong spring training performances while Tucker struggled. The Diamondbacks boast a strong lineup, with several players performing exceptionally well in spring training.

**Broadcast Information:**

* **Cubs:** Marquee Sports Network (TV), 670 AM The Score and WRTO 1200 (Radio)
* **Diamondbacks:** DBACKS.TV (TV), Arizona Sports 98.7 FM and Latino Mix 100.3 (Radio)

The game promises to be a thrilling encounter between two playoff contenders, each looking to set the tone for the season. The Diamondbacks will be looking to establish their new-look team with a victory at home and hope for a stronger season than the one that just passed.

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