Two teams coming off very opposite series results meet up on Friday in the August 16th Blue Jays at Cubs betting matchup. Toronto (57-64) heads to the Midwest following a sweep of the Angels while Chicago (59-63) returns to Wrigley Field after losing all three games at Cleveland.
Both teams were idle on Thursday, and Chicago hopes the break helps them recharge a bit as they’ve fallen to 5.5 GB of the final NL wild card spot. The Blue Jays like the off day as they travel from Los Angeles, even though their season is likely a lost cause as they sit 9 games back from the third AL wild card spot. The Cubs are listed as the -120 favorites for Friday afternoon’s matchup.
Why the Blue Jays Have Value on Friday
Even though Toronto has four teams to jump for the final wild card spot, you have to give them credit for still playing hard. The Blue Jays picked up the three game sweep in Anaheim this week, scoring 19 runs in the process. Toronto pitching was also solid vs. the Angels, allowing a total of five runs in the three games.
The Blue Jays have a great chance for another pitching gem against a Cubs offense that scored just two total runs over their last two games. Yariel Rodriguez (1-5) doesn’t have the win/loss record to show it, but he’s been very good lately with a 0.87 ERA in two August starts. Rodriguez has held opponents to 2 runs or less in six of his last seven outings.
The Toronto offense got loose for 9ER in Wednesday’s win over the Angels, including 7 against All-Star Tyler Anderson in his worst start of the year. Daulton Varsho and Vlad Guerrero, Jr. both had 3 hits in that game including a HR. Guerrero, Jr. is hitting .346 over the past week and the wind is expected to be blowing out up to 10 MPH at Wrigley Field.
Why the Cubs Have Value on Friday
Chicago was playing well with wins in four of their last five and although the sweep against Cleveland was disheartening, the Guardians are also on fire with 72 wins, tied for the most in the majors. The Cubs can put the Cleveland series behind them back at Wrigley where they were 5-2 in their most recent home stand.
Rodriguez has been good for the Blue Jays but Toronto is still just 2-6 over his last 8 starts. The Cubs offense was stagnant the last two games vs. Cleveland, but Ian Happ is still hitting over .300 the past week with a couple of HRs and Cody Bellinger is batting at a .333 clip over his last five so there is some upside.
Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA) was in danger of being waived earlier in the season, but he’s had a nice turnaround most recently throwing 6.0 IP while allowing just 2ER vs. the Twins on Monday. A lot of Hendricks’ damage has come on the road, where he has a 7.28 on the season.
Free August 16th Blue Jays at Cubs Betting Pick
This feels like a toss-up game, but Rodriguez has been much better for Toronto lately than the unpredictable Hendricks. Guerrero, Jr. is also hot, and the Blue Jays just have better value in this spot.
Free Pick: Blue Jays +100
