Blue Jays and Cubs Set for Interleague Clash Amid Diverging Paths
The Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs, two teams trending in opposite directions, are set to face off in an interleague matchup on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Toronto, riding high on a three-game winning streak, comes into this game with palpable momentum, while Chicago has been grappling with a three-game losing stretch.
Currently holding a 57-64 record, the Blue Jays sit fifth in the American League East. They have displayed flashes of brilliance recently, winning six of their last ten outings. Their opponents, the Cubs, with a 59-63 record, are fourth in the National League Central and have had a challenging season, particularly during daytime games where they hold a 26-28 record.
The all-time series between these two franchises is tightly contested, with Toronto holding a narrow 11-10 lead. However, the Cubs have demonstrated home-field advantage, leading 4-2 in games played at Wrigley Field. As the first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, the stakes are high with Chicago slightly favored at -114 on the money line, and the over/under set at 10 runs.
Pitching Probables: Hendricks vs. Rodriguez
Chicago's right-hander Kyle Hendricks is expected to take the mound. Despite a challenging season record of 3-10 and a 6.60 ERA, Hendricks has shown resilience, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 appearances. In his latest outing, a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Hendricks pitched six innings, yielding five hits, two earned runs, with one walk and five strikeouts. His standout performance came in a 5-1 victory against St. Louis on July 12, where he delivered seven shutout innings, giving up just five hits and one walk while striking out three.
On the opposite side, Toronto will rely on right-hander Yariel Rodriguez. Rodriguez, with a 1-5 record and a 3.60 ERA, has shown promise across his 12 starts. Over 50 innings, he’s allowed 40 hits, 20 earned runs, and 25 walks while striking out 52. In his last start, despite a strong showing, Rodriguez suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Oakland Athletics, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing one earned run on five hits and one walk, striking out five.
Key Players to Watch
Chicago's center fielder Cody Bellinger remains a reliable offensive force. In 92 games this season, Bellinger is batting .276 with 16 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, and 46 RBI. His recent performance against the Chicago White Sox was noteworthy, going 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored in a 7-6 win. Bellinger has maintained his form, securing hits in seven of the past ten games. His performance against Toronto has also been impressive, with a career batting average of .318, including three doubles, one homer, and six RBI in six games.
Toronto's first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stands out as one of the team’s top hitters. The 25-year-old boasts a batting average of .323 in 120 games, featuring 32 doubles, one triple, 25 homers, and 80 RBI. Guerrero Jr.'s recent feats include a 6-for-14 performance with two homers and four RBI in a series against the Los Angeles Angels. Additionally, he shone in a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, where he tallied three hits, including a double, triple, homer, and four RBI.
As these two teams lock horns, fans can anticipate an engaging contest. Both sides have talents poised to turn the tide, making this interleague matchup a must-watch as the MLB season progresses.