Teams headed in different directions are set to clash in an interleague matchup as the Toronto Blue Jays face off against the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Toronto enters the game riding a three-game winning streak, while Chicago looks to snap a three-game losing skid.
The Blue Jays, holding a 57-64 record and sitting fifth in the highly competitive American League East, have gathered momentum by winning six of their last ten games. Meanwhile, the Cubs, with a 59-63 record that leaves them fourth in the National League Central, have struggled of late, only managing to break even at 26-28 during daytime games.
Historically, these two teams have been evenly matched. The Blue Jays lead the all-time series narrowly at 11-10, but the Cubs have made the most of their opportunities at home, holding a 4-2 edge in games played at Wrigley Field. The first pitch is slated for 2:20 PM ET, with Chicago entering the contest as a slight favorite at -114 on the money line. Oddsmakers have set the over/under at 10 runs, suggesting a high-scoring affair.
Chicago's Pitching Prospects
Chicago will pin their hopes on right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who carries a 3-10 record and a 6.60 ERA into the start. Despite these numbers, Hendricks has displayed resilience, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. In his most recent outing, though it ended in a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Hendricks showcased his capabilities by pitching six innings and allowing just two earned runs on five hits, with one walk and five strikeouts.
Notably, Hendricks shone in a 5-1 victory over St. Louis back in July, pitching seven shutout innings, surrendering a mere five hits and one walk while fanning three batters. He will look to replicate this form to give the Cubs a much-needed win.
Offensive Outputs
Center fielder Cody Bellinger has been a standout performer for the Cubs this season. With a .276 average in 92 games, Bellinger has compiled 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBIs. He delivered a brilliant performance in a 7-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on August 9, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Bellinger has been consistent, registering hits in seven of the last ten games. Against the Blue Jays, he boasts a robust .318 average in six career games, including three doubles, one home run, and six RBIs.
Toronto's Game Plan
Toronto will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez, who has a 1-5 record and a 3.60 ERA. In his 12 starts, Rodriguez has thrown 50 innings, allowing 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 25 walks, while striking out 52. Despite his losing record, Rodriguez has often kept his team in games, including a strong performance in his last outing, a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Oakland Athletics. In that game, he pitched 5.2 innings, allowing only one earned run on five hits, with one walk and five strikeouts.
Toronto's offensive hopes will heavily lean on the bat of first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The 25-year-old has put up impressive numbers, hitting .323 over 120 games, complemented by 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBIs. Guerrero Jr. recently demonstrated his prowess against the Los Angeles Angels, going 6-for-14 with two home runs and four RBIs in a three-game series. His notable performance in a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, where he recorded three hits, including a double, a triple, a homer, and four RBIs, highlights his current form.
As both teams look to change their current trajectories, this interleague showdown promises to be a compelling battle of talent and tactics. Whether it’s the rejuvenated pitching of Hendricks or the consistent firepower of Guerrero Jr., baseball fans will be treated to an engaging contest at Wrigley Field.