In what promises to be an intriguing interleague matchup, the Toronto Blue Jays are set to take on the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon with both teams trending in opposite directions. The game, which will be held at Chicago's Wrigley Field, sees the Blue Jays riding a three-game winning streak, while the Cubs are looking to snap a three-game losing skid.
Recent Form and Standings
The Blue Jays (57-64), currently sitting fifth in the highly competitive American League East, have managed to win six of their last ten games. This recent resurgence has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season.
In contrast, the Cubs (59-63) are fourth in the National League Central and have had a more tumultuous season, with a 26-28 record in day games. Despite their struggles, they remain competitive, especially when backed by their home crowd at Wrigley Field, where they have a 4-2 edge in games against Toronto.
Head-to-Head and Betting Odds
The Blue Jays lead the all-time series against the Cubs 11-10, but playing in Chicago has often been a different story. The Cubs have historically fared well in home games against Toronto, which can add an extra layer of intrigue to Friday's encounter. The latest odds slightly favor the Cubs at -114 on the money line, with the over/under set at 10 runs, pointing to a potentially high-scoring game.
Pitching Matchup
Chicago will turn to right-hander Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA), who despite his record, has been a reliable force on the mound recently. Hendricks has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. His last outing saw him pitch six strong innings against the Minnesota Twins, conceding just two earned runs on five hits, walking one, and striking out five in a 3-0 loss. One of his standout performances this season came against St. Louis on July 12, where he pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just five hits and one walk while striking out three.
Toronto will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA). Rodriguez has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, albeit with mixed results. In his most recent start, Rodriguez pitched a solid 5.2 innings against the Oakland Athletics, allowing just one earned run on five hits, walking one, and striking out five. Despite his strong performance, Rodriguez was on the losing end of a 1-0 game.
Key Players to Watch
For the Cubs, center fielder Cody Bellinger remains a key player. In 92 games this season, Bellinger boasts a .276 batting average, with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBIs. Bellinger’s recent form has been impressive, as he went 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBIs, and two runs scored in a 7-6 win against the Chicago White Sox on August 9. He has hits in seven of his last ten games and has a .318 average in six career games against the Blue Jays, with three doubles, one homer, and six RBIs.
The Blue Jays will bank on first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is having an exceptional season. In 120 games, Guerrero Jr. is hitting .323 with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBIs. He had a standout series against the Los Angeles Angels, going 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs. Guerrero Jr. also delivered a memorable performance against the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, collecting three hits, including a double, triple, and a homer, while driving in four runs in a 7-6 victory.
As these two storied franchises face off, fans can anticipate a game filled with strategic pitching, power hitting, and the kind of drama that only baseball can deliver. With both teams having a lot at stake, Friday’s matchup at Wrigley Field is poised to be a compelling contest.