Teams trending in opposite directions of late meet in an interleague matchup when the Toronto Blue Jays clash with the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. The Blue Jays, fifth in the American League East with a 57-64 record, have won six of their last 10 games, including the last three. Conversely, the Cubs sit fourth in the National League Central at 59-63, struggling during the day with a 26-28 record and having dropped three straight games.
The historical encounters between these teams have been closely contested, with Toronto holding an 11-10 edge in the all-time series. However, the Cubs have been more successful at their home venue, Wrigley Field, boasting a 4-2 advantage in games played there. The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, with Chicago entering as a -114 favorite on the money line, and the over/under for total runs is pegged at 10.
Cub's Strong Pitching Effort
Taking the mound for the Cubs will be right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who carries a 3-10 record with a 6.60 ERA. Despite those figures, Hendricks has been pitching more effectively of late, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. In his most recent outing against the Minnesota Twins, Hendricks threw six solid innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs while walking one and striking out five in a 3-0 loss. He also had a standout performance against St. Louis on July 12, pitching seven shutout innings while conceding just five hits and one walk, striking out three in a 5-1 win.
Center fielder Cody Bellinger remains one of Chicago's offensive pillars. Appearing in 92 games this season, Bellinger boasts a .276 batting average with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBI. He recently went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored in a 7-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on August 9. Additionally, Bellinger has hits in seven of the last 10 games, and holds a respectable .318 batting average with three doubles, one homer, and six RBI in six career games against the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays Lean on Rodriguez and Guerrero Jr.
Toronto will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez, who comes into this start with a 1-5 record and a 3.60 ERA. Over 12 starts this season, Rodriguez has logged 50 innings, allowing 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 25 walks, while striking out 52. Despite suffering a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics in his last outing, Rodriguez performed admirably, pitching 5.2 innings while allowing only five hits and one earned run, with one walk and five strikeouts.
At the plate, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been sensational for the Blue Jays. In 120 games, the 25-year-old is hitting .323 with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, and 80 RBI. Guerrero Jr. recently shined in a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, going 6-for-14 with two home runs and four RBI. His hot streak continued in a 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles on August 8, where he recorded three hits, including a double, a triple, a home run, and drove in four runs.
As these teams prepare to face off, both Chicago and Toronto will aim to capitalize on their strengths and mitigate their recent weaknesses. For the Cubs, it's about leveraging Hendricks’ recent forms while hoping for timely hitting from Bellinger. For the Blue Jays, the hopes ride on another strong pitching performance from Rodriguez and the continued offensive firepower from Guerrero Jr.
With each club looking to build momentum, this afternoon matchup at Wrigley Field promises to be an engaging contest of two teams fighting to steer their seasons back on course.