The Chicago Cubs eked out a win in extra innings against the Toronto Blue Jays in Friday’s series opener and they’ll look to pile up some more runs this afternoon against a struggling Jays starter in Chris Bassitt.
Our Blue Jays vs. Cubs predictions expect them to do just that. Find out why in our MLB picks below.
Blue Jays vs Cubs prediction
My best bet
Cubs team total Over 4.5 (-103 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
After scoring just two combined runs in their last two games against the Guardians, the Chicago Cubs came out swinging in their series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday with a 6-5 win in extra innings as Seiya Suzuki hit the walk-off single in the 10th.
Offense hasn’t been Chicago’s strong suit this season — the Cubs rank 20th in runs per game (4.22) — but I like the host’s chances of going Over 4.5 runs against Jays starter Chris Bassitt, who’s in the midst of a nightmare run.
The 35-year-old is less than a week removed from one of his worst starts of the season after allowing eight hits, two homers, and seven earned runs to the A's over just four innings. The struggles started for Bassitt at the start of July as he posted a 1-4 record with a 7.01 ERA last month and that’s continued into August as he’s carrying a 7.36 ERA through two outings so far.
Bassitt has given up 5+ earned runs in three of his last five starts while only pitching into the sixth inning twice in his last seven appearances. He’ll hand the ball off to the MLB’s third-worst bullpen, which carries a 5.00 ERA this season, giving the Cubs another good chance to produce offense.
Blue Jays star player prop
My best bet
Ernie Clement Over 0.5 RBI (+195 at PROLINE+)
My analysis
There’s been a lot to complain about for Blue Jays fans this season but the emergence of Ernie Clement is not one of them. The 28-year-old is in the midst of a breakout season with 36 RBI in 100 games and 23 of those RBI coming since July 1.
Clement is riding a three-game RBI streak heading into Saturday’s contest while batting .321 this month. His eight RBI in August trail only Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (10) for the most by a Blue Jays batter, so I’ll look for the third baseman to stay hot with another this afternoon.
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Blue Jays vs Cubs odds
Blue Jays vs Cubs live odds
Blue Jays vs Cubs opening odds
- Run line: Toronto +1.5 (-150) | Chicago +125
- Moneyline: Toronto +145 | Chicago -170
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Blue Jays vs Cubs spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Cubs opened as the favorite for the second straight game at -164, while the line moved as high as -182 by Friday night.
- Chicago is 4-1 in its last five games against Toronto and 5-0 in their last five meetings at Wrigley Field.
- Today’s total opened at 8.5 runs and most signs are pointing to the Over this afternoon.
- The Over is 12-4 in Toronto’s last 16 road games and 5-1 in the last six meetings between the clubs.
Blue Jays vs Cubs trend
The Cubs are 6-2 in their last eight home games. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Cubs.
Blue Jays vs Cubs game info
| Location: | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Saturday, 8-17-2024 |
| First pitch: | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, Marquee |
| Blue Jays starting pitcher: | Chris Bassitt (9-11, 4.30 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher: | Justin Steele (3-5, 3.16 ERA) |
Blue Jays vs Cubs latest injuries
Blue Jays vs Cubs weather
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