Teams trending in opposite directions of late meet in an interleague matchup when the Toronto Blue Jays battle the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon. With Toronto having won three in a row and Chicago dropping three straight, the game promises to be a compelling showdown between two storied franchises.
Current Team Form
The Blue Jays, who hold a record of 57-64 and are fifth in the American League East, have shown signs of resurgence by winning six of their last ten games. On the contrary, the Cubs (59-63), residing in fourth place in the National League Central, boast a record of 26-28 during daytime games, highlighting their inconsistency during such matchups.
As these two teams face off, the Blue Jays lead the all-time series 11-10, though the Cubs have a slight edge with a 4-2 record at Wrigley Field. The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET as Chicago steps in as the -114 favorite in the latest Blue Jays vs. Cubs odds. The total number of runs expected to be scored is pegged at 10, framing the contest as one of strategic pitching and timely hitting.
Chicago's Pitching Strategy
Chicago’s right-hander Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA) will take the mound, aiming to maintain his recent uptick in performance. Hendricks has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances, providing a beacon of hope for the Cubs' pitching rotation. His last outing, a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, saw him pitch six innings, surrendering five hits and two earned runs while recording five strikeouts.
Notably, Hendricks delivered a stellar performance in a 5-1 victory against St. Louis on July 12, pitching seven shutout innings with only five hits and one walk allowed. He is expected to rely on his command and experience to navigate the Blue Jays’ potent lineup.
Chicago's Offensive Cornerstone
Center fielder Cody Bellinger remains one of Chicago’s top hitters this season. In 92 games, Bellinger is hitting .276 with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBI. His recent game performances exhibit his clutch hitting ability, including a 3-for-4 display with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored in a 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on August 9. Bellinger has hits in seven of the past ten games, signaling his readiness to contribute against the Blue Jays.
Bellinger’s past performances against Toronto have been equally impressive, batting .318 with three doubles, one home run, and six RBI in six career games. His track record suggests that he could be a central figure if Chicago aims to snap their losing streak.
Toronto's Pitching Prospect
The Blue Jays will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA). In 12 starts this season, Rodriguez has pitched 50 innings, allowing 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 25 walks while striking out 52. Despite suffering a 1-0 setback to the Oakland Athletics in his last outing, Rodriguez showed his potential by pitching 5.2 innings, conceding one earned run on five hits, and striking out five.
Toronto's Offensive Muscle
First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stands out as one of Toronto’s most potent offensive weapons. In 120 games, Guerrero Jr. is hitting an impressive .323, with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBI. His recent form is particularly notable, going 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBI in a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. Furthermore, Guerrero Jr.'s performance against the Baltimore Orioles on August 8 was spectacular, where he recorded three hits—including a double, triple, and homer—along with four RBI in a 7-6 win.
The upcoming clash at Wrigley Field is more than just an interleague game; it is a litmus test for both teams as they vie to improve their standings by capitalizing on their strengths. Whether it’s Hendricks' guile or Guerrero Jr.'s power, the game promises a blend of tactical nuance and raw athleticism, ensuring a memorable afternoon for baseball aficionados.