Chicago Cubs at Toronto Blue Jays odds, picks and predictions
The Chicago Cubs (61-56) and Toronto Blue Jays (65-54) wrap up a 3-game set Sunday at Rogers Centre. First pitch is scheduled for 1:37 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Blue Jays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Cubs lead 2-0
The Cubs won 5-4 as -108 favorites in the 2nd game of the series Saturday. The Cubs have won 8 of their last 11 contests and own a half-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL Wild-Card spot.
The Blue Jays have lost 4 of their last 5 contests after going on a 4-game win streak from Aug. 4-7. Toronto is still in the final AL Wild-Card spot, but is only a half-game ahead of the Seattle Mariners.
Cubs at Blue Jays projected starters
RHP Jameson Taillon vs. LHP Hyun Jin Ryu
Taillon (7-6, 5.17 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.34 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 101 innings.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 7 K in 3-2 victory at New York Mets Tuesday
- 2023 road stats: 4-2, 4.02 ERA (47 IP, 21 ER) in 9 starts
- 2023 stats in afternoon games: 1-4, 7.42 ERA (30 1/3, 25 ER) in 7 starts
- Career vs. Blue Jays: 5-4, 3.54 ERA (53 1/3 IP, 21 ER) in 10 starts – last faced Toronto in 2022
Ryu (0-1, 4.00 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.22 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 5.0 K/9 in 9 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 2 K in 3-1 victory at Cleveland Guardians Monday
- 2023 home stats: 0-1, 7.20 ERA (5 IP, 4 ER), 9 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 1 start, a 13-3 loss vs. Baltimore Orioles Aug. 1
- Career vs. Cubs: 1-1, 3.00 ERA (24 IP, 8 ER) in 4 starts – last faced Cubs in 2019
Cubs at Blue Jays odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.
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Cubs at Blue Jays picks and predictions
Prediction
Blue Jays 4, Cubs 3
It’s unlikely that the Cubs will sweep the Blue Jays in Toronto. The Blue Jays have the best record this season vs. non-league opponents (22-12), and Ryu looked good last time out after a rough season debut.
Taillon has struggled in day games this season and will be facing a Blue Jays lineup that is desperate for a win.
BET BLUE JAYS (-135).
Expecting the Blue Jays to win by multiple runs after dropping back-to-back games vs. the Cubs is a tough ask. Chicago +1.5 (-165) will probably hit, but there’s no need to pay the higher price on the run line when Toronto ML is the better play.
PASS. Bet the moneyline and/or the total instead.
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The Under has hit in 8 of Toronto’s last 10 games and is 29-17-3 (63%) this season when the Blue Jays are home favorites.
The Under is also 28-24-1 (53.9%) this season when Toronto is coming off a loss and should hit again Sunday as Ryu continues to improve after his rough season debut.
BET UNDER 9.5 (-120).
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