Teams trending in opposite directions of late meet in an interleague matchup when the Toronto Blue Jays battle the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. The Blue Jays are riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive victories, while the Cubs are grappling with a three-game losing streak.
Toronto, currently fifth in the American League East with a 57-64 record, boasts six wins in their last ten games. Chicago, sitting fourth in the National League Central at 59-63, have struggled during the day with a 26-28 record. Historically, these two teams have been evenly matched, with Toronto leading the all-time series 11-10. However, the Cubs have been more dominant at home with a 4-2 edge in games played at Wrigley Field.
An Intriguing Pitching Duel
Taking the mound for Chicago will be right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who has a 3-10 record with a 6.60 ERA. Despite his challenging season, Hendricks has shown flashes of brilliance, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. In his most recent outing, a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Hendricks pitched six innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs while walking one and striking out five. Another standout performance this season came on July 12, when Hendricks delivered seven shutout innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing only five hits and one walk, and striking out three in a 5-1 victory.
For Toronto, right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA) will be looking to capitalize on his recent form. In his last start, Rodriguez pitched well but suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Oakland Athletics, going 5.2 innings and allowing five hits, one earned run, and one walk while striking out five. Over his 12 starts this season, Rodriguez has logged 50 innings, conceding 40 hits and 20 earned runs while striking out 52 batters.
Big Bats to Watch
At the plate, center fielder Cody Bellinger has been one of Chicago’s most consistent hitters. In 92 games this season, Bellinger boasts a .276 average with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, and 46 RBI. Bellinger has managed hits in seven of his last 10 games, including a standout performance on August 9 against the Chicago White Sox, in which he went 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored. Historically, Bellinger has been effective against Toronto, posting a .318 average with three doubles, one home run, and six RBI in six career games against the Blue Jays.
Toronto’s slugger, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., continues to be a force in the lineup. Playing in 120 games this season, Guerrero Jr. is hitting .323 with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, and 80 RBI. His recent performance includes a 6-for-14 showing with two homers and four RBI in a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. On August 8, Guerrero Jr. shone with three hits, including a double, a triple, and a home run, driving in four runs in a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
The Odds and Projections
First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field, and Chicago is favored with a -114 money line in the latest Blue Jays vs. Cubs odds. The total number of runs expected to be scored, or the over/under, is set at 10.
Interestingly, the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, has been on a remarkable run. Entering Week 21 of the MLB season, the model is on a 25-13 roll on top-rated run-line picks, generating a return of +732. This cutting-edge simulation technology provides a data-driven edge that bettors and fans alike find invaluable.
With both teams keen on reversing their current trends, this interleague clash promises to be a fascinating contest. Will Toronto extend their winning streak, or will Chicago halt their skid and dominate at home? Baseball fans will be eagerly watching, and both Hendricks and Rodriguez will play pivotal roles in deciding the outcome.