Blue Jays and Cubs Set for Interleague Showdown
Teams trending in opposite directions of late meet in an interleague matchup when the Toronto Blue Jays battle the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon. With Toronto riding a three-game winning streak and the Cubs trying to snap a three-game skid, this matchup promises to deliver plenty of action at Wrigley Field.
The Blue Jays (57-64), currently fifth in the American League East, have been finding their stride, winning six of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Cubs (59-63), who occupy fourth place in the National League Central, have a 26-28 record during day games and will look to leverage their home-field advantage. Historically, Toronto leads the all-time series 11-10, though the Cubs have a 4-2 edge in games at Wrigley Field.
The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, with Chicago entering the game as a slight -114 favorite on the money line. The over/under for total runs scored is set at 10, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
Pitching Matchup: Hendricks vs. Rodriguez
On the mound for the Cubs will be right-hander Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA). Despite his struggles this season, Hendricks has shown glimpses of his capabilities, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. His recent performances include a respectable outing against the Minnesota Twins, where he pitched six innings and allowed just two earned runs while striking out five.
Highlighting Hendricks' potential, he delivered a stellar seven shutout innings performance against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 12, conceding just five hits and one walk while striking out three. The veteran will need to replicate such performance to contain a surging Toronto lineup.
Opposing Hendricks will be Toronto’s right-hander Yariel Rodriguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA). In 12 starts this season, Rodriguez has logged 50 innings, allowing 40 hits and 20 earned runs while striking out 52. Although he faced setbacks in his last outing, a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, Rodriguez's performance was commendable, conceding just one run and one walk in 5.2 innings.
Key Players to Watch
For the Cubs, center fielder Cody Bellinger continues to be a standout performer. In 92 games this season, Bellinger boasts a .276 average with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, and 46 RBI. His recent form has been encouraging; in the Cubs' 7-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 9, Bellinger went 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored. Additionally, he has hits in seven of the past 10 games, reflecting his consistent contribution at the plate. Bellinger’s career numbers against the Blue Jays are impressive, batting .318 with three doubles, one homer, and six RBI over six games.
Toronto will rely heavily on the offensive prowess of first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The 25-year-old has been pivotal for the Blue Jays, hitting .323 in 120 games with 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBI. Guerrero Jr. was in sublime touch in a recent three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, going 6-for-14 with two homers and four RBI. His standout performance also includes a dominant display against the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 8, where he recorded three hits, including a double, triple, and a homer along with four RBI.
Expectations for the Matchup
With Chicago looking to break out of their slump and Toronto aiming to continue their upward trajectory, the series opener at Wrigley Field is set to be a high-stakes affair. Both teams have quality players and capable pitchers who can tip the scales in their favor. The Cubs will hope their home advantage and the form of key players like Bellinger can steer them back onto the winning path.
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, will look to build on their recent success, with Guerrero Jr. leading their charge. The clash of styles and the intense competitive spirit of both teams promise an exciting spectacle for baseball fans.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an engaging contest as the first pitch is thrown at 2:20 p.m. ET.