The Chicago Cubs come into this series fresh off a sweep by the Guardians, but now they have a chance to do it against the Blue Jays, and MLB experts are confident their strong pitching staff can make it happen.
August 18, 2024 • 08:18 ET • 4 min read
The Chicago Cubs will be looking to complete a sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon after completing a three-game series at Wrigley Field.
In our Cubs vs. Blue Jays predictions, we have our eye on Shota Imanaga, who will be looking to continue his impressive debut season in the MLB.
Find out why we think this left-handed pitcher will give his team an advantage in our MLB Predictions for Sunday, August 18th.
Blue Jays vs Cubs Predictions
My best bet
Cubs -1.5 (+125 at PROLINE+)
My Analysis
The Chicago Cubs pulled off another close victory against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon, this time celebrating a 3-2 victory thanks to a pair of RBIs from Michael Bush and some teamwork on the mound that featured seven different pitchers.
Saturday's starter, Justin Steele, was limited to just two innings due to a rainout, but things will be a little different on Sunday when the sun shines and Shota Imanaga takes the mound. The left-hander has impressed in his first major league season, going 9-2 in 22 starts with a 3.16 ERA, fourth-best among National League starters.
The Blue Jays will field pitcher Bowden Francis, who will be making his third consecutive start and the seventh of his MLB career. Francis pitched seven innings against the Angels in his last start on Aug. 12, the longest outing of his career, but he only allowed one hit and one run in the process.
But the 28-year-old has pitched five or more innings just four times in 20 appearances this season, so he'll likely hand the ball to Toronto's 28th-ranked relievers for at least three or four innings.
Imanaga has the advantage in this matchup, and the Cubs have one of the best relief pitchers in the major leagues, so I think Chicago will pull off an easy sweep.
Blue Jays star player prop
My best bet
Bowden Francis: 4.5+ strikeouts (+110 on PROLINE+)
My Analysis
Beauden Francis has had some up-and-down seasons in Triple-A, but the right-hander is currently in arguably the best form of his major league career. Francis struck out eight batters against the Angels on Aug. 12 and seven against the Orioles on Aug. 7.
Francis has primarily been a reliever for Toronto, but has shown the ability to go long games as a starter, pitching five or more innings in each of his past three starts. Francis has 51 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings this season, which is just under one strikeout per inning, so he's likely to record at least 4.5 strikeouts if he goes five innings.
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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 -1.5 (+125) Money Line: Toronto +162| Chicago -177 Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5
Blue Jays vs Cubs spread and over/under analysis
The Cubs entered the series finale as three-game favorites with the money line opening at -177. That line had risen to -190 by Saturday night, while the Blue Jays were hovering around +150. The Cubs are 5-1 in their last six home games and have won six straight against the Blue Jays at Wrigley Field. The total score opened at a very low 6.5 as oddsmakers are banking on strong performances from Shota Imanaga (3.16 ERA) and Beauden Francis (4.92 ERA). The under is 4-2 in Chicago's last six games and 5-3 in Toronto's last six games.
Blue Jays vs Cubs Trends
The Cubs are 10-5 in their last 15 games. Find out more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs Cubs.
Blue Jays vs Cubs game info
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois Date and Time: Sunday, August 18, 2024 First Pitch: 2:20 PM ET TV: Sportsnet, Marquee Blue Jays Starting Pitcher: Bowden Francis
(5 wins, 3 losses, 4.92 ERA) Cubs starting pitcher: Shota Imanaga
(9 wins, 2 losses, 3.16 ERA)
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Blue Jays vs Cubs Weather
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