Teams trending in opposite directions meet in an intriguing interleague matchup as the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Chicago Cubs this Friday afternoon. Toronto arrives with momentum on their side, chalking up three consecutive wins, while Chicago aims to shake off a three-game skid.
Currently, the Blue Jays sit fifth in the American League East with a record of 57-64. They've managed to secure six victories in their last ten outings. Meanwhile, the Cubs, positioned fourth in the National League Central with a 59-63 record, have shown inconsistency during day games, posting a 26-28 performance.
Historical Context and Current Standings
Looking at their all-time series, Toronto holds a slim lead, 11-10, echoing the competitiveness seen in their previous encounters. However, it’s worth noting that Chicago holds a 4-2 advantage when the games are at Wrigley Field—the venue for today's matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET.
Recent betting odds favor Chicago slightly, with the Cubs listed as a -114 favorite on the money line. The over/under for total runs scored in the game stands at 10.
Pitching Matchup
Chicago's right-hander Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA) will take the mound. Despite his overall season record, Hendricks has been consistent lately, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. For instance, during his last outing against the Minnesota Twins, Hendricks pitched six innings, yielding five hits and two earned runs while striking out five.
In a notable performance against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 12, Hendricks delivered seven shutout innings, permitting just five hits and a walk, while fanning three batters. His resilience will be crucial as he faces off against a Blue Jays lineup that's gained traction of late.
On the other side, Toronto will turn to right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA). In his 12 starts, Rodriguez has logged 50 innings, conceding 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and issuing 25 walks while striking out 52. His last appearance saw him pitch valiantly in a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, managing 5.2 innings and allowing one earned run.
Key Players to Watch
For the Cubs, center fielder Cody Bellinger has been a standout performer. In 92 games this season, Bellinger is batting .276, complementing this with 16 doubles, a triple, 12 home runs, and 46 RBIs. His recent form has been particularly impressive, highlighted by a 3-for-4 showing against the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 9, which included a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Over his last ten games, Bellinger has recorded hits in seven.
Bellinger also boasts a strong track record against the Blue Jays, hitting .318 over six career games, with three doubles, a home run, and six RBIs.
Toronto's offensive efforts will likely be spearheaded by first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is hitting .323 over 120 games. Guerrero Jr. has accumulated 32 doubles, a triple, 25 home runs, and 80 RBIs. His recent series against the Los Angeles Angels saw him go 6-for-14 with two home runs and four RBIs. Additionally, in an Aug. 8 clash against the Baltimore Orioles, Guerrero Jr. had three hits, including a double, a triple, and a home run, with four RBIs.
Conclusion
As both teams prepare to face off, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest of contrasting trajectories and standout individual performances. With Chicago fighting to regain its footing and Toronto eyeing continued success, the stage is set for an engaging afternoon of baseball at Wrigley Field.