Teams trending in opposite directions of late meet in an interleague matchup when the Toronto Blue Jays battle the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon. The Blue Jays, riding a three-game winning streak, will look to extend their hot run against a Cubs team that desperately needs to halt its three-game skid.
Blue Jays on the Upswing
The Blue Jays, currently fifth in the American League East with a 57-64 record, have shown flashes of brilliance, winning six of their last 10 games. Their recent performance has been a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on key opportunities. Toronto's potent offense has been a significant factor in their success.
Leading the charge offensively is first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who continues to impress with his prowess at the plate. In 120 games, Guerrero Jr. is hitting .323, featuring 32 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, and 80 RBI. His recent heroics included a stellar series against the Los Angeles Angels, where he went 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBI. Guerrero Jr.'s contributions have been instrumental in keeping Toronto in contention.
On the mound, the Blue Jays will rely on right-hander Yariel Rodriguez. With a 1-5 record and a 3.60 ERA, Rodriguez has demonstrated flashes of brilliance in his 12 starts. Despite suffering a tough 1-0 setback to the Oakland Athletics in his last outing, where he pitched 5.2 innings allowing just one earned run, Rodriguez remains a pivotal figure in Toronto's rotation. His ability to keep opposing hitters at bay will be crucial against a Chicago lineup looking to bounce back.
Chicago's Struggles
For the Cubs, their 59-63 record places them fourth in the National League Central. Despite the recent downturn, manager David Ross's squad has shown moments of promise. However, closing games and delivering consistent performances during the day have been challenging, evidenced by their 26-28 daytime record.
On the mound, Chicago is expected to send right-hander Kyle Hendricks to start. While Hendricks' season stats include a 3-10 record and a 6.60 ERA, his recent outings have been more encouraging. He has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. Despite a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins in his last start, Hendricks pitched six commendable innings, giving up just two earned runs. His mastery was on full display in a seven-shutout-inning performance at St. Louis in July.
Offensively, center fielder Cody Bellinger stands out as one of Chicago's top hitters. Bellinger's season numbers include a .276 average with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBI across 92 games. His consistency at the plate is underscored by his performance against the Chicago White Sox, where he was 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored. Bellinger's impact is further highlighted by his .318 batting average with three doubles and a homer in six career games against the Blue Jays.
Historical Context
Historically, the Blue Jays hold a slim 11-10 lead in the all-time series against the Cubs. However, Chicago has enjoyed a slight edge at Wrigley Field, holding a 4-2 advantage in games played there. As the Cubs look to leverage their home-field advantage, the Blue Jays will aim to continue their winning ways.
Odds and Projections
As the teams get ready for the first pitch set for 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field, Chicago finds itself as a -114 favorite on the money line according to the latest Blue Jays vs. Cubs odds. The over/under for the game is set at 10 runs, reflecting expectations for a potentially high-scoring affair.
For predictive insights, the SportsLine Projection Model offers a glance into potential outcomes. The model, renowned for its accuracy, simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. Entering Week 21 of the MLB season, the model has maintained a strong track record with a 25-13 roll on top-rated run-line picks, yielding a gain of +732 dating back to last season.
With both teams eager to assert their dominance and turn their recent fortunes around, fans can anticipate an engaging and competitive matchup. The clash at Wrigley Field promises to deliver high drama as two storied franchises vie for bragging rights and crucial victories.