First Pitch: 2:20 PM CT (3:20 PM ET)
Broadcast: MLB Network (select markets), Sportsnet (TOR), Marquee Sports Network (CHC)
Weather Forecast
- Temperature: 78–81°F
- Wind: 12–16 mph blowing out to left-center — classic Wrigley hitter’s wind
- Humidity: 55–60%
- Precipitation: <10% chance
- Impact: Strong wind out = boost to HRs and deep fly balls, especially for RH pull hitters.
Injury Report
Toronto Blue Jays
- Bo Bichette — OUT (knee inflammation)
- Yimi García — OUT (forearm strain)
- Daulton Varsho — Probable (hand contusion)
- Jordan Romano — OUT (elbow rehab)
Chicago Cubs
- Seiya Suzuki — Questionable (hamstring tightness)
- Justin Steele — OUT (lat strain)
- Nico Hoerner — Probable (wrist soreness)
- Adbert Alzolay — OUT (shoulder)
Team Records & Recent Form
Toronto Blue Jays (37–38)
- Last 10: 5–5
- Road Record: 17–20
- Run Differential: -12
- Trend: Offense inconsistent; pitching stabilizing behind Gausman & Bassitt.
- Key Note: Jays are 10–4 in Gausman’s last 14 starts vs NL opponents.
Chicago Cubs (39–36)
- Last 10: 6–4
- Home Record: 22–15
- Run Differential: +18
- Trend: Cubs’ offense heating up at home; bullpen remains volatile.
- Key Note: Cubs are 7–1 in their last 8 day games at Wrigley.
Pitching Matchup
Toronto — Kevin Gausman (RHP)
2026 Stats:
- Record: 6–5
- ERA: 3.41
- WHIP: 1.14
- K/BB: 92/21
- Road ERA: 3.12
Scouting Notes:
- Splitter remains elite; Cubs historically struggle vs high-quality splitters.
- Vulnerable when wind is blowing out — fly-ball tendencies can be punished at Wrigley.
- Has dominated RH-heavy lineups; Cubs may counter with lefty bats (Bellinger, Morel, Busch).
Chicago — Ben Brown (RHP)
2026 Stats:
- Record: 5–4
- ERA: 3.76
- WHIP: 1.22
- K/9: 10.4
Scouting Notes:
- Power fastball/curveball combo; misses bats but can be homer-prone.
- Struggles third time through the order (opponents .298 AVG).
- Jays’ RH bats (Springer, Guerrero Jr., Schneider) match up well.
Key Player Matchups
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) vs Ben Brown
- Vladdy hitting .318 vs power RHP this season.
- Brown’s fastball location inconsistency could be exploited.
Cody Bellinger (CHC) vs Kevin Gausman
- Bellinger lifetime vs Gausman: 4-for-10, HR
- Wind blowing out enhances his HR probability.
George Springer (TOR) vs Curveball-heavy pitchers
- Springer slugging .540 vs curveballs in 2026.
Christopher Morel (CHC) vs Splitters
- Morel hitting just .182 vs splitters — tough matchup.
Series History
- 2023–2025: Toronto leads 8–6
- At Wrigley Field: Cubs lead 4–3
- Recent Trend: Last 5 meetings decided by 2 runs or fewer.
Betting Trends
Toronto Blue Jays
- 4–1 last 5 Gausman starts
- Under is 6–2 in their last 8 road games
- 1–6 in last 7 interleague road games vs winning teams
Chicago Cubs
- 7–1 in last 8 home day games
- Over is 5–1 last 6 at Wrigley with wind blowing out
- Cubs 10–4 last 14 vs AL East
GAME ODDS
Toronto Blue Jays 7.5
Chicago Cubs – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026
