Toronto Blue Jays vs. Chicago Cubs: An In-Depth Preview
In an interleague face-off between two teams experiencing contrasting fortunes, the Toronto Blue Jays will take on the Chicago Cubs this Friday at the iconic Wrigley Field. The Blue Jays, riding a wave of three consecutive victories, come into this game with momentum. Meanwhile, the Cubs are looking to reverse their fortunes following a three-game losing streak.
Teams on Divergent Paths
Toronto, currently fifth in the American League East, boasts a recent record that reflects an upward trend, winning six of their last ten games. This streak has improved their season record to 57-64. On the other hand, the Cubs are fourth in the National League Central with a 59-63 record and a less than stellar performance during day games, standing at 26-28.
The Blue Jays hold a slight edge in the all-time series between the two teams, leading 11-10. However, the Cubs have been dominant when playing at home, securing a 4-2 advantage at Wrigley Field.
Odds and Projections
As the two clubs prepare to clash, the latest odds have Chicago as a slight favorite at -114 on the money line, with the over/under for total runs expected set at 10. With the game scheduled for a 2:20 p.m. ET first pitch, fans and bettors alike will be keenly watching the performance of both teams.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, has shown a strong track record. Entering Week 21 of the MLB season, the model is on a 25-13 roll on top-rated run-line picks, amassing a gain of +732 since last season.
Pitching Duel: Hendricks vs. Rodriguez
Chicago will entrust right-hander Kyle Hendricks with the starting duties. Despite a 3-10 record and a 6.60 ERA, Hendricks has shown flashes of his potential recently. He has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. In his latest outing, during a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Hendricks delivered a quality start, pitching six innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, one walk, and striking out five. His performance in a 5-1 victory against St. Louis on July 12 was stellar; he pitched seven shutout innings, giving up just five hits and one walk while striking out three.
For Toronto, right-hander Yariel Rodriguez will take the mound. With a 1-5 record and a 3.60 ERA, Rodriguez has had a mixed season. In his 12 starts, he’s pitched 50 innings, allowing 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 25 walks, while striking out 52. His most recent appearance, a tough 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, saw him perform admirably despite the defeat. Rodriguez pitched 5.2 innings, giving up five hits, one earned run, and one walk, with five strikeouts.
Key Players to Watch
On offense, the Cubs will rely heavily on center fielder Cody Bellinger. Over 92 games this season, Bellinger has been one of Chicago’s most consistent hitters, posting a .276 batting average, along with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBIs. His recent form has been impressive, including a 3-for-4 performance with a homer, two RBIs, and two runs scored in a 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on August 9. Bellinger has recorded hits in seven of the past ten games and boasts a strong track record against the Blue Jays, hitting .318 with three doubles, one homer, and six RBIs in six career games.
The Blue Jays’ offense will be anchored by first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who continues to put up stellar numbers. In 120 games, Guerrero Jr. is hitting .323, accompanied by 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBIs. His prowess was on full display in a recent three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, where he went 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs. Additionally, Guerrero Jr. shined in a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, racking up three hits, including a double, triple, and homer, along with four RBIs.
As the Blue Jays and Cubs prepare to square off, both teams will have key performances to watch and strategies to execute. With the stage set at Wrigley Field, baseball fans can expect an exciting and closely contested game between these two historic franchises.