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The Toronto Blue Jays continue their three-game series against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field. We’re on the Northside, sharing our MLB odds series, giving a prediction and pick for the Blue Jays vs. Cubs, and showing you how to watch.
Expected starters for the Blue Jays-Cubs
Chris Bassitt Comparisons Justin Steele
Chris Bassitt (9-11) with an ERA of 4.30
Last start: Bassitt struggled in his last appearance, allowing seven earned runs and eight hits, striking out five players and allowing two walks in a loss to the Oakland Athletics.
2024 Road Splits: Bassitt was better on the road, going 3-4 with a 3.76 ERA in 10 starts away from the Rogers Centre.
Justin Steele (3-5) with an ERA of 3.16
Last start: Steele dominated his last appearance, going six innings, allowing one run, none earned, and six hits while allowing eight strikeouts and two walks in a no-decision game against the Chicago White Sox.
2024 Home Splits: Steele fared worse at home, going 2-3 with a 3.67 ERA in nine starts at Wrigley Field.
Here are the MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Blue Jays-Cubs Odds
Toronto Blue Jays: +1.5 (-164)
Money line: +134
Chicago Cubs: -1.5 (+136)
Money line: -158
Over: 8.5 (+100)
Under: 8.5 (-122)
How to watch the Blue Jays vs Cubs game
Time: 2:20 p.m. ET/11:20 a.m. PT
Television: MLB Network
Stream: fuboTV (Click here for a free trial)
Why the Blue Jays will cover/win the spread
The Blue Jays started the season with high expectations. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way. The Jays were nine games out of the last wild card spot in the American League at the weekend. So they’re playing until the end and are already looking forward to next season. The hitters in this lineup have to perform.
Bo Bichette is making good progress in his recovery from his injury. However, he will not play this time either. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to be one of the few bright spots in this lineup. Tellingly, he came into the weekend with a batting average of .323, 25 home runs, 80 RBIs and 72 runs. But he will have to do more to hit the 35 home runs he hit in 2022. Meanwhile, George Springer continues to struggle. Springer came into the weekend with a batting average of just .219, 14 home runs, 44 RBIs and 58 runs, so the Jays need more from him to help Guerrero.
Bassitt has been incredibly inconsistent of late, recording just two good starts in five games. To improve, he’ll need to avoid mid-strike errors. If Bassitt leaves the game, he’ll be leaving it to a bullpen that’s the third-worst in baseball. But backup closer Chad Green has been efficient, going 3-2 with a 1.86 ERA and 12 saves in 12 chances.
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The Blue Jays will cover the spread if Guerrero and Springer can both hit the ball and give the Jays an early lead. Then they’ll need a good outing from Bassitt and for him to hang on until the end while avoiding crucial errors.
Why the Cubs will cover/win the spread
The Cubs have struggled recently and seem to be falling further and further behind in the race for the playoffs. Tellingly, they were 5 1/2 games out of the last wild card spot in the National League this weekend. Chicago needs to get more out of its offense if it is to make a miracle run to the playoffs. Ultimately, there is some talent that can make that possible.
Nico Hoerner was a bright spot in this lineup, leading the team with 112 hits over the weekend. Overall, he had a .256 batting average with a .326 on-base percentage and 62 runs scored. Ian Happ was also productive for the most part. So far, he leads the Cubs in home runs with 20 and also has 67 RBIs. Cody Bellinger has also been solid. He currently has a .276 batting average with 12 home runs, 46 RBIs and 48 runs in 92 games this season.
Steele has made two straight good starts and is hoping for a third. Ultimately, he has a good chance of doing so against a lineup that isn’t exactly a powerhouse. If Steele comes out of the game, he’ll be leaving it to a bullpen that ranks eighth in baseball in ERA. Still, the closer role has been tough to fill, as Hector Neris is just 8-4 with a 3.43 ERA and 17 saves in 21 chances.
Final prediction and picks for the Blue Jays-Cubs game
The Jays entered the weekend with a 59-62 record against the run line, while the Cubs were just 58-64. Additionally, the Jays were 38-23 against the run line on the road, while the Cubs were just 22-37 against the run line, which was the third-worst record in the major leagues. Bassitt was also a better pitcher on the road, which could work in his favor here. For that reason, we’re betting on the Jays to cover the spread on the road.
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Final Blue Jays-Cubs prediction and pick: Toronto Blue Jays: +1.5 (-164)
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