The Atlanta Braves head to Chicago for a Monday night matchup at Wrigley Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET on September 14. Reynaldo López takes the mound for Atlanta against Cubs right-hander David Peterson in what shapes up as a compelling late-season regular-season contest. With Ronald Acuña Jr. back atop the Braves lineup and a full complement of Atlanta's core in the order, this is a game the Braves need to treat as must-win material down the September stretch.

Braves at Cubs: Pitching Matchup at Wrigley Field

Reynaldo López gets the ball for Atlanta, and the assignment isn't a soft one. Wrigley Field in September has its own kind of energy, and the Cubs are sending out David Peterson — a left-hander who gives opposing lineups a different look than they see most nights. The Braves will need to generate production against a pitcher capable of keeping a lineup off-balance.

López's job is straightforward: throw strikes, work deep into the game, and keep the Cubs' lineup in check. Chicago is stacking a dangerous order with Pete Crow-Armstrong leading off, Seiya Suzuki in the two-hole, Michael Busch at first, and veteran Alex Bregman anchoring the cleanup spot. That's a lineup with pop and contact ability, and López cannot afford to nibble.

Atlanta Braves Lineup and Keys to Watch

Manager Brian Snitker is rolling out what looks like the full-strength order Atlanta fans want to see in September. Here's how the Braves are lined up:

• Ronald Acuña Jr. — RF (leadoff)
• Drake Baldwin — DH
• Matt Olson — 1B
• Ozzie Albies — 2B
• Michael Harris II — CF
• Mauricio Dubón — LF
• Austin Riley — 3B
• Sean Murphy — C
• Ha-Seong Kim — SS

Acuña Jr. back at the top of this order gives Atlanta a legitimate difference-maker in the leadoff spot. Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies provide the middle-of-the-order punch Atlanta counts on, and Austin Riley batting seventh is a luxury most clubs would envy. One number to watch: how quickly this lineup gets to Peterson and whether Atlanta can force Craig Counsell's bullpen into early action.

Three Keys for Atlanta Tonight

• López and early outs: The Braves need López to establish rhythm quickly and avoid deep counts against the top of Chicago's order. Crow-Armstrong and Suzuki can set the table in a hurry if López isn't sharp.
• Acuña setting the tone: When Acuña Jr. reaches base and applies pressure early, it changes how opposing pitchers approach the lineup behind him. Atlanta's offense flows through what he does in his first at-bat.
• Bullpen management: A September road game means Atlanta's relief corps needs to be available and ready. However López fares, the bridge to the back end of the Braves' bullpen will matter.

Prediction: Braves Win a Close One

This feels like a one-run game. Chicago's lineup is legitimate, Wrigley is a tough venue, and Peterson is capable of a quality start. But Atlanta's lineup, when fully stacked as it is tonight, is too much talent to be held down for nine innings. López keeps the Cubs to three runs or fewer, Olson and Albies do damage in the middle innings, and Atlanta escapes Chicago with a victory. Braves 5, Cubs 3.

Catch the game on BravesVision or radio on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan. MLB Network will also carry the broadcast nationally.