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.
The Blue Jays (57-64), situated fifth in the American League East, have notched six wins in their last 10 games, showcasing their capacity to turn the tides. Meanwhile, the Cubs (59-63), anchored in fourth place in the National League Central, have faced challenges, particularly during daytime games where they stand at 26-28.
Historically, the Blue Jays hold a narrow edge in head-to-head matchups with an 11-10 lead in the all-time series. However, Wrigley Field has often favored the Cubs, who boast a 4-2 advantage on their home turf. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing contest. The odds makers have pegged Chicago as a -114 favorite, with the over/under set at 10 runs.
Key Players and Pitching Matchup
Chicago will rely on right-hander Kyle Hendricks, whose record stands at 3-10 with a 6.60 ERA. Despite his challenging season, Hendricks has shown resilience, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 outings. His recent performance against the Minnesota Twins was commendable, pitching six innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs, along with a walk and five strikeouts. In a victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on July 12, Hendricks showcased his skill with seven shutout innings, yielding just five hits and one walk, and fanning three batters.
In the batter's box, center fielder Cody Bellinger has been a cornerstone for the Cubs. Over 92 games this season, Bellinger has posted a .276 average, racking up 16 doubles, a triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBIs. His prowess was on full display in the Cubs' 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on August 9, where he went 3-for-4, with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Additionally, Bellinger has maintained consistency with hits in seven of his past 10 games and holds a .318 batting average in six career games against the Blue Jays.
On the other side, Toronto sends right-hander Yariel Rodriguez to the mound. Rodriguez, holding a 1-5 record and a 3.60 ERA over 12 starts, has demonstrated potential despite his modest win-loss record. In his last outing, Rodriguez pitched 5.2 strong innings against the Oakland Athletics, allowing just one earned run with five strikeouts. His season stats include 50 innings pitched, 40 hits allowed, 20 earned runs, 25 walks, and 52 strikeouts.
Offensive Showdown
Toronto's offense will look to first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has been an offensive juggernaut. Guerrero Jr. is hitting .323 across 120 games, with 32 doubles, a triple, 25 home runs, and 80 RBIs. His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, Guerrero Jr. went 6-for-14, blasting two homers and driving in four runs. Furthermore, he filled the stat sheet in a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, hitting a double, triple, and a homer while accumulating four RBIs.
As the Blue Jays aim to extend their winning streak and improve their position in the American League East, the Cubs will be desperate to right the ship and bolster their daytime game record. The interleague clash at Wrigley Field will undoubtedly be a test of resilience, strategy, and execution for both teams.
Fans can expect a competitive atmosphere, with both Hendricks and Rodriguez keen to assert their dominance on the mound, while Bellinger and Guerrero Jr. will attempt to continue their hot streaks at the plate. With Chicago favored slightly in the odds, the 2:20 p.m. ET showdown is poised to offer a compelling narrative as these two teams collide in the heart of the MLB season.