Toronto Blue Jays vs Chicago Cubs – Breakdown and Prediction

August 16, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays vs Chicago Cubs: The two teams have a different momentum

The Toronto Blue Jays are visiting the Chicago Cubs in the series opener today at Wrigley Field.

Is the season over for the Blue Jays?

The Toronto Blue Jays are at the bottom of the AL East with a 57-64 record, including 28-33 on the road. They have won the last three games and are going to Chicago after sweeping the Los Angeles Angels. The Blue Jays have a 4.53 ERA, a .247 batting average, a .319 on-base percentage, and 1.32 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads the team with 150 hits, 72 runs, and 25 home runs.

The Cubs have a long way to go

The Chicago Cubs are fourth in the NL Central with a 59-63 record, including 32-27 at home. After winning four straight games, the Cubs lost all three in the series against the Cleveland Guardians. The Cubs have a 3.76 ERA, a .235 batting average, a .303 on-base percentage, and 1.24 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Nico Hoerner leads the team with 112 hits, Ian Happ is on top with 62 runs, and 20 home runs.

Betting Trends

The Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 home games against the Blue Jays and 10-5 SU in their last 15 games against teams from the AL. Chicago has played over the total run line in 5 of their last 7 home games and has stayed under in 6 of their last 7 games against teams from the AL East. The Blue Jays are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games overall, 3-6 SU in their last 9 games against the Cubs and 4-12 SU in their last 16 games played on Friday. Toronto has gone over the total run line in 11 of their last 15 games on the road and in their last five games against teams from the NL while has stayed under in 4 of their last 6 games overall.

Prediction and Conclusion

Both teams are almost out of the playoff picture, with the Cubs having 3.2% of chances to make it, while the Blue Jays have only 0.2%. However, Toronto has picked up their game lately, beating the Angels in the last three games. Their confidence will be high going to Chicago to face the Cubs, who have lost the last three games. The Blue Jays will start Yariel Rodriguez on the mound, who is 1-5 for the season with a 3.60 ERA, 52 K, 50 IP, and 1.30 WHIP. The Cubs will try to end the losing streak with Kyle Hendricks, who is 3-10 for the season with a 6.60 ERA, 65 K, 91.1 IP, and 1.45 WHIP. Both pitchers have not had their best season, and with the total run line at 8.5, we go with over in this game, just like they played in 4 of their last 5 head-to-head games.