Opposite Fortunes: Blue Jays and Cubs Set for Interleague Clash
As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to face the Chicago Cubs in an interleague matchup on Friday afternoon, both teams are trending in significantly different directions. The Blue Jays, with a record of 57-64, have recently enjoyed a streak of success, winning three consecutive games and six out of their last ten. Meanwhile, the Cubs, who stand at 59-63, have not been as fortunate, losing their last three games.
Despite the differences in recent performance, both teams find themselves in positions where a win is critically needed. The Blue Jays, fifth in the American League East, are still vying for a stronger position, while the Cubs, fourth in the National League Central, have struggled to maintain consistent form, especially during day games where their record stands at an uninspiring 26-28.
First pitch is slated for 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field, where history slightly favors the Cubs. In the all-time series, the Blue Jays lead narrowly with an 11-10 record. However, the Cubs have held their own at home, boasting a 4-2 edge in games played at Wrigley Field.
The Pitching Matchup
Chicago is listed as a -114 favorite for this encounter, partly due to the presence of right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks on the mound. Hendricks, who has a season record of 3-10 with a 6.60 ERA, has shown flashes of brilliance despite his overall struggle this season. He has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances, demonstrating his potential to stifle even strong batting lineups.
His most recent outing saw him pitch six innings in a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, surrendering five hits and two earned runs while striking out five. In a previous game, a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on July 12, he pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just five hits and one walk.
Toronto will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez, who holds a 1-5 record with a more respectable 3.60 ERA. In his 12 starts this season, Rodriguez has logged 50 innings, giving up 40 hits and 20 earned runs, while striking out 52 batters.
Rodriguez's last outing was a close 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, where he pitched 5.2 innings and allowed only one earned run. His form will be crucial as Toronto looks to build on their recent momentum.
Key Players to Watch
Offensively, both teams have standout performers who will be key to their success. Chicago’s center fielder Cody Bellinger has been among the most consistent hitters for the Cubs this season. In 92 games, Bellinger is hitting .276 with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, and 46 RBI. He has hits in seven of his last ten games, including a standout performance against the Chicago White Sox on August 9, where he went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored. In six career games against Toronto, Bellinger has done well, holding a .318 batting average with three doubles, one home run, and six RBI.
For the Blue Jays, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the linchpin of their offense. Guerrero Jr. has been exceptional this season, boasting a .323 average over 120 games, including 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBI. He was formidable in a recent series against the Los Angeles Angels, going 6-for-14 with two home runs and four RBI. Additionally, Guerrero Jr. had a standout game against the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, racking up three hits with a double, triple, home run, and four RBI.
Game Outlook
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, projects a tight contest with the total number of runs expected set at 10. The model also highlights Chicago’s recent form and Toronto’s climbing trajectory, adding another layer of intrigue to this interleague showdown.
This matchup represents a critical juncture for both teams as they seek to navigate the latter stages of the MLB season. The contrasting fortunes and the quality of the players involved make this a must-watch game for baseball enthusiasts.