Chicago Cubs vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Odds, Prediction
The rebuilding but still very popular Chicago Cubs make a rare visit to Toronto on Monday night to open a three-game series. The Jays are heavy favourites to win on the MLB odds.
Betting Analysis
When the Chicago Cubs ended the longest World Series drought in MLB history in 2016 – no MLB game since has come close national TV ratings-wise in the United States than Game 7 of that Fall Classic between the Cubs and Indians – they looked poised to have a mini-dynasty with several position players in their prime, but for whatever reason the Cubbies never made it back to the World Series.
They are in full rebuild mode now, trading away arguably the club’s three best relievers at the deadline but for some reason holding on to All-Star catcher Willson Contreras even though he probably will walk as a free agent this winter. Barring a surprise massive spending spree by ownership in the offseason, the Cubs are probably at least three years from realistic contention again. They remain a huge attendance draw both at home and on the road, and no doubt many Chicagoans will take in a game or two in Toronto with the relatively short flight.
These teams haven’t met since 2017 and not in Toronto since 2014. All MLB teams will play each other in at least one series starting in 2023, however. The Cubs will return to Rogers Centre from Aug. 11-13 next year.
Chicago Cubs
Two Cubs starting pitchers aren’t on the trip due to their COVID vaccination status: Justin Steele and Adrian Sampson. Over the weekend, first baseman Patrick Wisdom landed on the injured list with a finger issue. He leads the club with 22 homers. Chicago is 14-13 in August and looks for its first winning month since going 19-8 in May of last season. The team has played in 10 one-run contests this month, going 6-4 in them. The Cubs have played 18 extra-inning games overall, tied for the most in the majors with Tampa Bay.
It’s 25-year-old rookie Javier Assad on the mound in his second career MLB start. He threw four shutout innings last Tuesday vs. the Cardinals. Assad is one of 12 players to make their big-league debuts for Chicago this season. The Cubs are 2-7 in their past nine Monday games.
Toronto Blue Jays
If the Jays miss the playoffs, look no further than this past weekend’s home sweep at the hands of a bad Angels team. That just can’t happen. It was the fourth time they were swept this season and first time at home since June 15-17, 2021. George Springer extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a solo homer on Sunday.
It’s right-hander Jose Berrios (9-5, 5.28) on the mound Monday. He comes off a no-decision at Boston last Wednesday, allowing two runs over six. Berrios has been better at home overall, going 6-1 with a 4.10 ERA. He has faced the Cubs twice in his career, but not since 2020 as a member of the Twins. Berrios has allowed six runs and 10 hits over 10.1 innings in those two. Franmil Reyes hits him well, going 7-for-14 career. Nick Madrigal is 2-for-4 off him. The Jays are 1-6 in their past seven at home.
CHC
TOR