Chicago Cubs vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Odds, Prediction
For the second straight season, the Chicago Cubs of the National League Central visit the Rogers Centre with the Blue Jays as -155 favourites on the MLB odds for Friday’s series opener.
Cubs vs. Jays August 11 Betting Analysis
Every win is vital for both clubs as they chase a playoff spot. The Blue Jays have the misfortune of playing in the ultra-tough AL East so it’s probably wild card or bust for them. The Cubs play in the rather weak NL Central and could win that or earn a wild card spot, although this writer doesn’t think they have enough pitching. One of their top starting pitchers, Marcus Stroman, is currently on the injured list with a hip injury. Had the Cubbies not gotten hot ahead of the Trade Deadline, Stroman might have been dealt to the Blue Jays, where he started his big-league career in 2014.
Stroman does plan to opt out of his contract this winter so the Jays could potentially sign him. Another very important Cubs player, outfielder Cody Bellinger, also is set for free agency. The Cubs were listening on him, too, before they got hot and ended up not selling at the Trade Deadline. Bellinger was the 2019 NL MVP with the Dodgers but then basically forgot how to hit for a few seasons but is having a huge bounce-back year.
Toronto leads the all-time series with Cubs 10-8. The Jays took two of three at home against hem in August 2022.
Chicago Cubs
Minor advantage for the Cubs in that they were off Thursday and able to reset the bullpen. They started this road trip losing two of three at the Mets but still have won 16 of their past 22. Other than pitcher Marcus Stroman, who was mentioned above, the Cubs are quite healthy. They turn to converted reliever Javier Assad (1-2, 3.35 ERA) on the mound Friday. He made what was expected to be a spot start last Saturday vs. Atlanta, allowing two runs and five hits over 3.2 innings in a no-decision. He’ll get at least one more start with struggling Drew Smyly shifted to the bullpen. Assad did pitch five scoreless innings last August vs. the Jays and is 1-0 with a 2.20 ERA in 19.2 career innings against AL teams. Paul De Jong is 1-for-5 with a homer off Assad career from De Jong’s Cardinals days. Closer Adbert Alzolay has 11 straight saves, the most by a Cub since Craig Kimbrel converted 16 consecutive save chances from May 18-July 25, 2021.
Toronto Blue Jays
Really tough loss for the Jays in Cleveland on Thursday afternoon simply as they were facing such a struggling starting pitcher in Noah Syndergaard. Catcher Danny Jansen was removed from the game after taking a pitch off his right wrist. George Springer and Manager John Schneider were ejected in the seventh inning after Springer was called out looking on strikes (it wasn’t one but you still can’t argue). Earlier this week, outfielder Kevin Kiermaier joined All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette and relievers Jordan Romano and Trevor Richards on the injured list. It’s right-hander Jose Berrios (9-7, 3.38 ERA) on the mound. He won in Boston last time out, allowing three runs over 5.2 innings. Berrios has been a lot better at home this year with a 4-3 record and 2.72 ERA. He has started three games career against the Cubs and is 1-1 with a 5.63 ERA.
CHC
TOR