Toronto Blue Jays vs Chicago Cubs Prediction 8-12-23 MLB Picks

The Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays clash Saturday in game 2 of an MLB series at Rogers Centre. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Cubs look to stay hot after winning 7 of their last 10 games. The Cubs are 2.5 games back in the NL Central. The Cubs pitching staff is 15th in ERA (4.14), 16th in WHIP (1.28) and 8th in quality starts (51). The Cubs' offense is 5th in runs per game (5.07), 9th in batting average (.256) and 12th in homers (141). Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs with 125 hits and 59 RBI, while Cody Bellinger and Dansby Swanson have combined for 206 hits and 113 RBI. Justin Steele gets the ball, and he is 13-3 with a 2.68 ERA and 113 strikeouts this season. This will be Steele’s first career game against the Blue Jays.

Chicago Cubs Team Facts

• The Cubs have won nine of their last 12 games as underdogs.
• The Cubs have failed to cover the run line in each of their last five games against AL East opponents following a win.
• The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Cubs' last nine road games.
• The Cubs have led after 7 innings in nine of their last 12 games as underdogs.
• The Cubs have led after 3 innings in six of their last nine games as underdogs against AL East opponents.

Toronto Blue Jays Betting Preview

The Blue Jays look for a win after splitting their last 12 games. The Blue Jays are still holding onto that last wild card spot. The Blue Jays pitching staff is 1st in ERA (3.73), 9th in WHIP (1.25) and 3rd in quality starts (55). The Blue Jays offense is 16th in runs per game (4.45), 5th in batting average (.262) and 16th in homers (136). Bo Bichette leads the Blue Jays with 144 hits and 59 RBI, while Whit Merrifield and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have combined for 238 hits and 122 RBI. Chris Bassitt gets the ball, and he is 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA and 131 strikeouts this season. Bassitt is 0-1 with a 6.52 ERA and 7 strikeouts in his career against the Cubs.

Toronto Blue Jays Team Facts

• The Blue Jays have won each of their last 10 day games against National League opponents.
• The Blue Jays have covered the run line in each of their last six day games against National League opponents.
• The 'Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Blue Jays' last 10 day games.
• The Blue Jays have led after 7 innings in each of their last six day games against National League opponents.
• The Blue Jays have trailed after 3 innings in three of their last four games as favorites.

Toronto Blue Jays Player Prop Facts

• Chris Bassitt ranks T5th in the league for Wins (11) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Toronto Blue Jays ranks 1st in the league for ERA this season (3.70).
• The Toronto Blue Jays ranks 3rd in the league for hits this season (1052).
• The Chicago Cubs ranks 3rd in the league for walks this season (417).
• The Chicago Cubs are one of only 3 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and batting average this season.

Randy’s Pick

The Cubs are hard to bet against right now, as they've been one of the best teas in the second half of the season, and they're a top-5 most profitable team over the last 30 days. Chris Bassitt has been great and the Blue Jays are usually good at home, but the Cubs and a cheap price is hard to turn down given their current form. Also, Justin Steele has been ridiculous with his 2.68 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. Steele has been just as good on the road as well, so he's more than trustworthy. Give me the Cubs and the cheap price.