Toronto Blue Jays vs
Chicago CubsPredictions & Preview

Chicago Cubs Favored to Sweep Toronto Blue Jays in Interleague Matchup at Wrigley Field

The Toronto Blue Jays are set to face off against the Chicago Cubs in an interleague matchup at Wrigley Field. The Cubs currently hold a 3-2 home win advantage in the series and are looking for a sweep. Bowden Francis will be starting for the Blue Jays with a 4.92 ERA, while rookie Shota Imanaga will take the mound for the Cubs with a 3.16 ERA. Chicago is the betting favorite at -182 and the line has remained steady.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Blue Jays +161 | Cubs -182
• Spread: Blue Jays +1.5 (-144) | Cubs -1.5 (+125)
• Total: Over/Under 7.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 65%.

Toronto vs Chicago Stats

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays are currently struggling in the AL East, sitting in last place and facing a 15.5 game deficit in the division and a 10.5 game gap in the AL Wild Card race. Their offense has been lackluster, ranking 20th in the league with a .696 team OPS and scoring an average of 4.15 runs per game. The team ranks 29th in the majors with 115 total home runs. However, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a standout performer, boasting impressive stats at the plate. On the pitching side, right-hander Bowder Francis has had a rough season with a 4.92 ERA in 56.2 innings of work. Despite their struggles, the Blue Jays are looking to improve their performance in order to potentially impact the outcome of the season. Their power ranking currently stands at 22, with a 21st ranking in offense and a 25th ranking in defense. They currently hold a record of 57-66 this season.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

The Chicago Cubs are currently second in the NL Central standings, trailing by 10.0 games in the division and 4.0 games in the NL Wild Card race. Offensively, the team has a .235/.310/.386 slash line and averages 4.21 runs per game. Despite ranking 20th in total home runs, left fielder Ian Happ has been a standout performer with a .796 OPS, 22 home runs, 69 RBI, and 70 runs scored. Southpaw pitcher Shota Imanaga has an impressive 9-2 record with a 3.16 ERA and a .239 opposing batting average. The Cubs have a power ranking of 6 and rank #20 in offense, #11 in defense, and have an overall record of 61-63. In their last three matchups, Toronto won 2 out of 3 games against Chicago. Overall, the Cubs have the potential to compete for a playoff spot this season.

Pitching Duel: Francis and Imanaga Showcase Varying Performances, Cubs Favored to Win

Over the past seven games, pitchers Bowden Francis and Shota Imanaga have demonstrated varying levels of performance. Francis boasts a record of 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP in 23.0 innings across three starts, whereas Imanaga holds a 2-0 record with a 3.32 ERA and a 5:47 walk-to-strikeout ratio in 43.1 innings. Both offenses have displayed similar levels of play recently, with the Chicago Cubs averaging 4.5 runs in their last 12 games and the Toronto Blue Jays scoring 4.15 runs in their previous 13 games. Ultimately, based on these factors, I recommend betting on the Chicago Cubs to emerge victorious in the upcoming game.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]