Teams with contrasting recent performances are set to clash in an interleague matchup as the Toronto Blue Jays face off against the Chicago Cubs this Friday afternoon.
With a three-game winning streak, the Toronto Blue Jays (57-64) are on an upswing, showcasing impressive recent form by winning six of their last 10 matches. On the other side, the Chicago Cubs (59-63) are grappling with a three-game losing streak, adding pressure as they aim to turn things around at Wrigley Field. The Cubs, who stand fourth in the National League Central, have a daytime record of 26-28, hinting at vulnerabilities that Toronto might exploit.
Historically, these teams have been evenly matched. The Blue Jays hold a slight edge in the all-time series at 11-10, though the Cubs have been the dominant force at home, posting a 4-2 record at Wrigley Field. As the teams prepare for their upcoming contest, first pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET, and oddsmakers have dubbed Chicago a -114 favorite, with the over/under set at 10 runs.
Chicago's Dilemma on the Mound
Chicago's hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of right-hander Kyle Hendricks. Despite a challenging season with a 3-10 record and a 6.60 ERA, Hendricks has shown flashes of resilience lately. He has allowed 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 delivered a commendable effort, going six innings and giving up just two earned runs on five hits, including a solitary walk while striking out five. A more noteworthy performance came on July 12 against St. Louis, where Hendricks pitched seven shutout innings, conceding only five hits and a walk, and registering three strikeouts.
Bellinger's Consistent Bat
Chicago's offensive strength will likely be supported by center fielder Cody Bellinger. Bellinger is posting a solid season, hitting .276 with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBI over 92 games. His recent form has been promising, highlighted by a 3-for-4 performance with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored during a 7-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on August 9. Bellinger has maintained his consistency at the plate, securing hits in seven of his last 10 games. His exposure to Toronto pitchers has been limited yet fruitful, as evidenced by his .318 batting average over six career games against the Blue Jays, which includes three doubles, a homer, and six RBI.
Toronto's Charged Up Roster
For Toronto, right-hander Yariel Rodriguez will take the mound. Despite a challenging 1-5 record and a 3.60 ERA, Rodriguez has demonstrated potential in his 12 starts this season. Across 50 innings pitched, Rodriguez has conceded 40 hits and 20 earned runs, alongside 25 walks and 52 strikeouts. His last outing saw him pitch effectively, albeit in a losing effort, allowing just one earned run over 5.2 innings in a 1-0 defeat to the Oakland Athletics.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays' offensive firepower is led by first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The 25-year-old slugger is enjoying a standout season, hitting .323 across 120 games with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBI. Guerrero Jr. has been in red-hot form, highlighted by his recent three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels where he went 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBI. His performance against the Baltimore Orioles on August 8 was equally spectacular, as he amassed three hits, including a double, a triple, and a homer, driving in four runs in a dramatic 7-6 victory.
As these two teams with divergent pathways collide, the matchup promises to be a fascinating contest of skill, strategy, and resilience. The Cubs will be looking to halt their downward slide and reclaim home-field dominance, while the Blue Jays will aim to continue their upward trajectory and make a significant impact in the standings.