The Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago Cubs, two MLB teams experiencing differing fortunes of late, will face off in an interleague matchup at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon. Toronto has been on a hot streak, securing three victories in a row, while Chicago has found itself struggling, with three consecutive defeats.
As it stands, the Blue Jays find themselves fifth in the competitive American League East with a 57-64 record, triumphing in six of their last ten games. On the other hand, the Cubs are fourth in the National League Central with a slightly better 59-63 record but have been shaky during day games, posting a 26-28 record when playing in the afternoon.
The historical data between these two teams shows the Blue Jays holding a narrow lead with an 11-10 edge in their all-time series. However, the Cubs have been more dominant at their home ground, Wrigley Field, with a 4-2 advantage in games played there.
First pitch in this intriguing showdown is slated for 2:20 p.m. ET, and the odds currently favor Chicago, with sportsbooks placing them as slight favorites at -114 on the money line. The game is expected to be a potential slugfest, with the total number of runs (over/under) set at 10.
Key Players and Pitching Matchups
Chicago is set to send right-hander Kyle Hendricks to the mound. Despite his subpar 3-10 record and a concerning 6.60 ERA, Hendricks has shown glimpses of his true potential. In his last outing, a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, he managed to pitch six solid innings, surrendering only two earned runs. This performance was illustrative of his recent form, having allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. Another highlight came on July 12, when Hendricks pitched seven shutout innings in a 5-1 win against the St. Louis Cardinals.
On the offensive side, center fielder Cody Bellinger remains a bright spot for the Cubs. Over 92 games this season, Bellinger is hitting .276 with 16 doubles, a triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBI. His recent exploits include a stellar 3-for-4 performance with a homer and two RBIs in a 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on August 9. Bellinger has consistently delivered for his team, recording hits in seven of his last ten games and maintaining a .318 average in his career against the Blue Jays.
Meanwhile, Toronto will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez. Although Rodriguez has a 1-5 record, his 3.60 ERA suggests that he can be formidable on the mound. In 12 starts, he has logged 50 innings, allowing 40 hits and striking out 52 batters. His last outing was a tough-luck loss against the Oakland Athletics, where he allowed just one earned run over 5.2 innings. Rodriguez's ability to keep the runs down makes him an essential asset as the Blue Jays look to extend their winning streak.
First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stands out as one of Toronto's offensive powerhouses. Guerrero is boasting an impressive .323 batting average in 120 games, complemented by 32 doubles, a triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBIs. His recent series against the Los Angeles Angels saw him go 6-for-14, delivering two homers and four RBIs. Additionally, in a thrilling 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, Guerrero Jr. showcased his all-around hitting ability by racking up three hits, including a double, triple, homer, and four RBIs.
Winning Streaks and Series Outlook
Toronto's recent form has given them much-needed momentum. Winning six of their last ten games, the Blue Jays are displaying a level of play that can be pivotal as they aim to climb up the AL East standings. Conversely, the Cubs are looking to reverse their recent fortunes, having dropped three straight games. With both teams sending capable pitchers to the mound and featuring powerful hitters in their lineups, this matchup at historic Wrigley Field promises to be an exciting contest for baseball fans.
As the Cubs and Blue Jays prepare to square off, bettors and fans alike will be keeping a close watch on the pitching duels and key offensive performances that could tip the scales either way in this closely matched interleague battle.