Teams trending in opposite directions of late meet in an interleague matchup when the Toronto Blue Jays battle the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon.
For the Toronto Blue Jays, who have won three consecutive games, and the Chicago Cubs, who have lost their last three, this game is poised to be an intriguing contest. The Blue Jays (57-64), currently sitting fifth in the American League East, have won six out of their last ten games. On the other hand, the Cubs (59-63), who occupy the fourth spot in the National League Central, have a less favorable record of 26-28 during day games.
Recent Performances and Standings
Historically, the teams have faced each other closely, with Toronto leading the all-time series 11-10. However, the Cubs hold a 4-2 advantage in games played at Wrigley Field. As they prepare for their upcoming clash at Wrigley Field, scheduled to start at 2:20 p.m. ET, the odds slightly favor Chicago, listed as a -114 favorite. The total number of runs expected, or the over/under, is set at 10.
Pitching Matchups
Chicago is expected to send right-hander Kyle Hendricks to the mound. Hendricks, with a season record of 3-10 and a 6.60 ERA, has shown signs of improvement recently. Notably, he has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. In his last outing against the Minnesota Twins, which ended in a 3-0 loss, Hendricks pitched six solid innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, with one walk and five strikeouts. Earlier, in a dominant 5-1 win at St. Louis on July 12, Hendricks pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just five hits and one walk, while striking out three.
Key Players
Among Chicago’s notable hitters, center fielder Cody Bellinger stands out. In 92 games this season, Bellinger is hitting .276 with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBI. Particularly impressive was his performance in a 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on August 9, where Bellinger went 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored. He has also hit successfully in seven of the past ten games. In six career games against the Blue Jays, Bellinger boasts a .318 batting average, including three doubles, one homer, and six RBI.
Toronto will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA). In 12 starts this season, Rodriguez has amassed 50 innings pitched, allowing 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 25 walks, while striking out 52. His most recent outing, though resulting in a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, showcased his capabilities. In that game, Rodriguez pitched 5.2 innings, yielding five hits, one earned run, one walk, and striking out five.
Offensive Firepower
First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a key player for Toronto. With a batting average of .323 in 120 games, Guerrero Jr. has contributed significantly with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBI. His recent performances have been particularly eye-catching. Guerrero Jr. went 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBI in a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels that concluded on Wednesday. He also had an impressive game on August 8 against the Baltimore Orioles, where he recorded three hits, including a double, a triple, a homer, and four RBI in a 7-6 victory.
As the Blue Jays and Cubs face off, fans can expect a competitive and engaging game, with both teams striving to reverse their recent fortunes. With key performances from players like Bellinger and Guerrero Jr., coupled with intriguing pitching matchups, this interleague contest holds promise for an exciting afternoon of baseball.