Teams trending in opposite directions of late meet in an interleague matchup when the Toronto Blue Jays battle the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon. Toronto has won three in a row, while Chicago has dropped three straight. This game promises excitement as it pits two storied franchises in contrasting form against one another.
Recent Performance
The Blue Jays (57-64), currently fifth in the American League East, have managed to secure victories in six of their last ten games. This upward trend has brought a glimmer of hope for their postseason aspirations. Meanwhile, the Cubs (59-63), standing fourth in the National League Central, have experienced a slump, with three consecutive losses. Their daytime performance stands at 26-28, underscoring their inconsistent form.
Historical Rivalry
Historically, the matchups between these two teams have been closely contested. The Blue Jays lead the all-time series with an 11-10 record. However, when it comes to games played at Wrigley Field, the Cubs hold a slight advantage with a 4-2 edge. With the first pitch scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field, both teams will look to tip the scales in their favor.
Betting Perspective
Chicago enters the game as a -114 favorite on the money line. For those interested in the total number of runs, the over/under is set at 10. These odds reflect a competitive game, and both teams have shown they can put up numbers when necessary. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, offers valuable insights, particularly as it has been on a 25-13 roll on top-rated run-line picks, yielding substantial gains since the previous season.
Pitching Matchup
The Cubs will turn to right-hander Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA) to take the mound. Despite his overall record, Hendricks has demonstrated resilience and consistency, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. His recent performance includes pitching six innings in a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, where he allowed five hits and two earned runs, while striking out five. In a standout game on July 12, Hendricks pitched seven shutout innings against St. Louis, illustrating his capability to deliver when it matters.
On the other side, the Blue Jays will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA). Rodriguez has shown promise in his 12 starts this season, logging 50 innings with 52 strikeouts. His last outing was a tough-luck loss to the Oakland Athletics where he pitched 5.2 innings, allowing five hits and just one earned run. Rodriguez will aim to build on this solid performance against the Cubs.
Offensive Highlights
Center fielder Cody Bellinger remains a bright spot in Chicago’s lineup. This season, Bellinger is hitting .276 with 16 doubles, a triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBIs in 92 games. His offensive prowess was on full display in a 7-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on August 9, where he went 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Notably, Bellinger has managed hits in seven out of the last ten games and has a career batting average of .318 against the Blue Jays.
For the Blue Jays, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a powerhouse. In 120 games this season, Guerrero Jr. is hitting .323, with 32 doubles, a triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBIs. His recent series against the Los Angeles Angels was particularly impressive, going 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs over three games. Additionally, in a close 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, Guerrero Jr. showcased his versatility by hitting a double, triple, and homer, compiling four RBIs in a single game.
The stage is set for an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes. While the Blue Jays are riding a wave of recent success, the Cubs will be eager to snap their losing streak and leverage their home-field advantage. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as both teams bring their best to the diamond.