Cubs vs Blue Jays Prediction - MLB Picks 8/11/23

Toronto Blue Jays (65-51) vs Chicago Cubs (59-56)

Game Info: Friday, August 11, 2023 at 7:07 pm (Rogers Centre)

Jose Berrios (9-7) (3.38) vs Javier Assad (1-1) (3.35)

Betting Odds: Toronto Blue Jays -165 / Chicago Cubs +151 --- Over/Under: 9.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

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The Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays face off on Friday in an MLB showdown at the Rogers Centre.

Opener Javier Assad

Javier Assad has been used an extended opener this season and that’s what he’s expected to do here. In his last start against the Braves he went 3.2 innings giving up five hits and two runs. The Cubs have won four of the last five games that have been started by Assad. The Cubs are averaging 5.06 runs while their pitching is giving up 4.49 runs per game. The offense is ranked 5th while the pitching is ranked 16th. Cody Bellinger has hit 17 home runs and driven in 56 RBIs so far this season

Cubs Betting Trends

The Cubs have won each of their last five games as underdogs following a loss.
The Cubs have covered the run line in each of their last five games as underdogs against AL East opponents following a loss.
The Cubs have led after 7 innings in each of their last seven Friday night games as road underdogs.
The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Cubs' last seven games as road underdogs.

Berrios Continues to Dominate

On the mound for the Blue Jays is Jose Berrios and he has really dominated as of late. After so many struggles early in the season, Berrios has really turned into someone the Blue Jays have been able to trust. Over his last six starts he has given up only nine runs total. The Blue Jays are averaging 4.47 runs while their pitching is giving up 3.98 runs per game. The offense is ranked 16th while the pitching is ranked 2nd. Vladimir Guerrero has hit 18 home runs and driven in 69 RBIs. Bo Bichette is getting closer from returning from injury, but isn’t quite ready yet.

Blue Jays Betting Trends

The Blue Jays have lost four of their last five games as home favorites after playing the previous day.
The Blue Jays have covered the run line seven of their last eight games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
The Blue Jays have led after 5 innings in each of their last six Friday night games against opponents that held a winning record.
The Blue Jays have led after 7 innings in each of their last five games at Rogers Centre against National League opponents that held a winning record.

Cubs and Blue Jays Facts

The Toronto Blue Jays ranks 3rd in the league for hits this season (1047).
The Toronto Blue Jays are one of only 3 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both strikeouts and on-base percentage this season.
The Chicago Cubs are one of only 4 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and batting average this season.
The Chicago Cubs ranks 5th in the league for runs scored this season (582).

Shane’s Free Pick

The Blue Jays are going to have no issue getting the job done here. Berrios has been really strong heading into this game, and he’s going to really lockdown in this game. The Blue Jays bats are also going to get to Assad here and that will be enough for Tonroto to get it done. Back the Blue Jays on the run line.