The Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago Cubs, two teams experiencing contrasting trajectories, are set for an intriguing interleague face-off on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.
Teams on Divergent Paths
The Blue Jays (57-64), currently fifth in the American League East, have been riding a wave of success recently, securing victories in six of their last ten games. Their latest three-game winning streak underscores a rebounding team looking to salvage their season. In contrast, the Cubs (59-63) have hit a rough patch, dropping three consecutive games. Occupying fourth place in the National League Central, the Cubs have struggled to find consistency, particularly under the bright sun, where they hold a 26-28 daytime record.
Series History and Betting Odds
Historically, the Blue Jays have a slight edge in their interleague encounters with the Cubs, leading the all-time series 11-10. However, Chicago has been dominant at home, boasting a 4-2 record against Toronto at Wrigley Field. As first pitch at 2:20 p.m. ET approaches, the Cubs find themselves as the -114 favorites according to the latest odds, with the over/under set at 10 runs.
Up on the Mound
Chicago will rely on right-hander Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA) to change their fortunes. Despite his overall record, Hendricks has shown resilience recently, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 outings. His last performance, though a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, was respectable. He tossed six innings, yielding five hits and two earned runs, while striking out five and walking just one. Earlier, in a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, Hendricks dazzled with seven shutout innings, giving up just five hits and a walk, with three strikeouts.
Notable Performances
Center fielder Cody Bellinger remains a pivotal figure in the Cubs' lineup. Over the course of 92 games this season, Bellinger has maintained a .276 batting average, hitting 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and driving in 46 runs. His recent offensive contributions include a standout performance in a 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on August 9, where he went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Consistent at the plate, Bellinger has registered hits in seven of the last ten games. In his six career games facing the Blue Jays, Bellinger has excelled, producing a .318 average with three doubles, one homer, and six RBIs.
On the other side, the Blue Jays will turn to right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA). Despite his challenging record, Rodriguez has demonstrated promise this season, logging 50 innings across 12 starts. He has allowed 40 hits and 20 earned runs, while striking out 52 batters. His last outing was a hard-luck 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, where he pitched 5.2 innings, conceding five hits and just one earned run, while walking one and fanning five.
Offensive Standouts
First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains a key offensive catalyst for Toronto. The 25-year-old has been a force at the plate, hitting .323 across 120 games, with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBIs. Guerrero Jr. shined in a recent three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, going 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs. His prowess was also evident in a dramatic 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, where he recorded three hits, including a double, triple, homer, and four RBIs.
As the Blue Jays and Cubs prepare to clash, the contrasting fortunes of both teams set the stage for a compelling contest. With an array of individual talent on display and strategic battles on the mound, fans can expect an exciting game in the iconic setting of Wrigley Field.