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 highly anticipated clash will see the Blue Jays, fresh off a three-game winning streak, take on the Cubs, who are desperately looking to snap a three-game skid. This intriguing contest is set to unfold at the historic Wrigley Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET.
The Blue Jays (57-64), currently sitting fifth in the American League East, have been showing signs of resilience, winning six of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Cubs (59-63), fourth in the National League Central, have been struggling during the day games, holding a 26-28 daytime record. Despite this, the Cubs are slightly favored at -114 on the money line for this matchup, with the total number of runs expected to be 10.
Blue Jays Look to Build on Momentum
Toronto holds a narrow lead in the all-time series against Chicago, boasting an 11-10 record. However, playing at Wrigley Field has historically been tough for the Blue Jays, where the Cubs have outperformed them, leading the series 4-2.
On the mound for the Cubs, right-hander Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA) has shown flashes of brilliance despite his challenging season. Hendricks has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances, a sign of his ability to deliver under pressure. In his most recent outing, a tough 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, he pitched six innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs while striking out five. A standout performance this year came on July 12 at St. Louis, where he pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just five hits and one walk, and striking out three.
Cody Bellinger: A Bright Spot for the Cubs
Center fielder Cody Bellinger has been a consistent force for Chicago. In 92 games this season, Bellinger is hitting .276 with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBI. In a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on August 9, Bellinger was exceptional, going 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored. He continues to be reliable, with hits in seven of his past 10 games. Against the Blue Jays, Bellinger boasts an impressive .318 batting average over six career games, with three doubles, one homer, and six RBI to his name.
Toronto's Prospects on the Mound and at the Plate
Toronto will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA), who has faced his share of ups and downs this season. In 12 starts, Rodriguez has pitched 50 innings, allowing 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 25 walks, while striking out 52. His most recent performance against the Oakland Athletics was commendable, despite the team’s 1-0 loss. In that game, he pitched 5.2 innings, allowing five hits and one earned run, while striking out five.
At the plate, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been an offensive powerhouse for the Blue Jays. Batting .323 over 120 games, Guerrero Jr. has racked up 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBI. His recent form has been particularly eye-catching. He went 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBI in a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels that concluded on Wednesday. Additionally, Guerrero Jr. demonstrated his versatility with a three-hit performance featuring a double, triple, homer, and four RBI in an exhilarating 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8.
As the two teams gear up for this interleague clash, fans can expect a thrilling encounter, with both sides eager to improve their standings and build momentum as the MLB season progresses.