CHICAGO CUBS NOTES:
Cubs vs. Blue Jays
The Cubs and Blue Jays meet in Toronto this weekend for the only three games between the clubs this season … Chicago is 8-10 all-time against Toronto and 4-8 north of the border … the Cubs are looking for their second series victory at Rogers Centre, and first since 2008.
CANADA, EH: The Chicago Cubs tonight head north of the border to play the Blue Jays for the first contest of a three-game series … Chicago Wednesday fell to the Mets 4-3, suffering their first series loss since July 14-16 vs. Boston … Seiya Suzuki (3-4, 3B, HR) notched eight total bases for the second time this season (also May 17, 9 TB) … Jeimer Candelario went 2-for-4 and recorded his fifth multi-hit effort since re-joining the Cubs at the trade deadline.
The Cubs are 16-6 in their last 22 games since July 18 … following play on July 20, the Cubs sat 7.0-games out of a wild-card spot and 8.5-games back of the division lead … the club enters today 0.5 games out of a wild card spot and 2.5-games back of division-leading Milwaukee.
In a stretch that started Monday (1-2), Chicago will play 13 of 18 contests on the road.
After having played 16-straight games July 25-August 9 (11-5), the Cubs have three off-days in eight days, including yesterday’s hiatus.
The Cubs +66 run differential ranks third in the N.L. behind the Braves (+163) and the Dodgers (+123).
TURF MONSTERS: Rogers Centre is one of five MLB stadiums to feature an artificial playing surface … Chicago has played just five games on artificial turf this season, three against the Marlins in Miami April 28-30 (0-3) and two against St. Louis in London, at which MLB utilized artificial turf at London Stadium, June 24-25 (1-1).
RESTED AND REFRESHED: In games following at least one off day this season, the Cubs have a .769 winning percentage (10-3), which leads the majors, and their 13 games this season on at least one day of rest is tied for second fewest … the club’s .272 batting average (122-for-448) in those games ranks fourth, while their .480 slugging percentage is fifth and .341 OBP is sixth.
STEADY STARTERS: Chicago this season has utilized nine different starters, tied for fourth fewest in the majors … only Toronto (7), Washington (7) and Baltimore (8) have used fewer starting pitchers … the Cubs have four pitchers who have made at least 20 starts this season – Drew Smyly, Justin Steele, Marcus Stroman and Jameson Taillon – tied for the league lead.
Through the team’s first 115 games, the starters have pitched 607.2 innings with 50 quality starts, both of which are the most by Chicago’s starting staffs through 115 games since 2019 (645.2 IP, 53 QS).
NICE WORK BY NICO: Nico Hoerner has reached base in 22 of 25 games since the AllStar break, including a current nine-game on-base streak … Hoerner leads the team in total bases (176) this season and ranks second in times on-base (163) … only Ian Happ (59) has more than Hoerner’s 49 games with multiple times on-base this season.
Hoerner leads the team in hits (123) and runs scored (68).
THERE HE GOMES!: Yan Gomes Tuesday snapped an 0-for-17 hitless streak with a RBI double in the fifth inning … since July 23, Gomes is tied for the major league lead in doubles (8) with teammate Jeimer Candelario, Milwaukee’s William Contreras and the Dodgers Freddie Freeman … dating to July 20 when Gomes recorded two triples in the game, he ranks tied for seventh in the majors in extra-base hits (11).
SAVING THE DAY: Adbert Alzolay Tuesday earned his 11th-straight save while his 15 saves this season lead the team … the 11-straight converted save opportunities are the most by a Cub since Craig Kimbrel converted 16 consecutive save chances May 18-July 25, 2021.
Since July 5, Alzolay’s 11 saves lead the majors.
Alzolay is one of six pitchers with an active streak of at least 11-straight successful save chances … among the 15 major league pitchers with save streaks of at least 11 games this season, Alzolay is the lone hurler to have not allowed a run nor a walk during the stretch.
FUN WITH FULMER: Since May 28, Michael Fulmer has pitched to a 1.20 ERA (4 ER/30.0) with a 3-1 record, 32 strikeouts and a 1.07 WHIP in 27 appearances (one start) … in his last three outings combined (3.2 IP) he has struck out seven batters, surrendered just one hit and not allowed any free passes … among pitchers with at least 25 appearances since May 28, Fulmer’s 1.20 ERA ranks fifth and his .173 opponent average ranks 11th.
SINCE THE BREAK…: Entering today, in 26 games since the All-Star break, Chicago has scored 172 runs, the most in the majors, leading the second-place Dodgers by 20 runs (152) … the Cubs’ .289 team average (260-for-899) since the break is the highest in the majors by 8 points (Braves – .281), while the club’s .864 OPS during that span ranks second.
Chicago’s 17-9 record (.654 winning percentage) since the break is tied for fourth in the majors and second in the N.L. behind the Dodgers (.680/17-8).
YOU BETTER BELLI-EVE IT: Cody Bellinger, July’s N.L. Player of the Month, this season is batting .327 (104-for-318) with 18 doubles, one triple, 17 homers, 56 RBI and 17 stolen bases … entering play today, Bellinger, Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. and Los Angeles’ Freddie Freeman are the only three major leaguers to have at least a .320 average, 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases.
In 44 games since being reinstated from the injured list on June 15 (left knee contusion), Bellinger is hitting .374 (65-for-174) with nine doubles, 10 homers, 36 RBI, a .411 OBP and a .598 slugging percentage.
Starting Pitcher – #72 RHP Javier Assad (1-2, 3.35)
Last Time Out
Javier received a no-decision in his second start of the season (20th appearance) Aug. 5 vs. Atlanta … has posted a 1.04 ERA (3 ER/26.0 IP) in 10 games (one start) since June 27 … has allowed two runs or fewer in four-straight starts dating to Sept. 29, 2022 and in six of his 10 career major league starts.
Date Opp. Result IP H R ER BB SO PC-S Left
8/5 ATL ND, 8-6 3.2 5 2 2 2 3 83-47 5-2, 2 on
2023 Splits and Season Notes
W-L ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO
Home 0-2 3.63 14 2 39.2 37 16 16 20 38
Road 1-0 2.57 6 0 14.0 10 4 4 5 5
AVG vs. LHB: .250 (21-for-84) / AVG vs. RHB: .236 (26-for-110)
Javier will make his 20th appearance of the season (second start) today … has pitched to a 1.04 ERA (3 ER/26.0 IP) in 10 outings (one start) since June 27 … is 2-2 with a 3.32 ERA (16 ER/43.1 IP) in 10 career starts, compared to 1-2 with a 3.19 ERA (17 ER/48.0 IP) in 19 career relief outings … is 1-0 with a 2.29 ERA (5 ER/19.2 IP) in seven career interleague games (one start), including 1-0 with a 3.07 ERA (5 ER/14.2 IP) in six interleague relief appearances in 2023 … is holding the opponent to a .150 average (3-for-20) with seven strikeouts against his slider … made the second start of his career Aug. 29, 2022 in Toronto, tossing 5.0 shutout innings in a no decision.
From June 27-August 4, posted a 0.40 ERA (1 ER/22.1 IP) in nine relief outings, the second-lowest ERA among major league relievers during that span (min. 15.0 IP) … held opponents scoreless in eight of the nine outings.
Has made four starts over three stints with Triple-A Iowa in 2023 (April 10-20, April 21-May 3, May 12-24), going 0-1 with a 3.68 ERA (6 ER/14.2 IP).
Made his first career Opening Day roster, appearing in two games in relief (6 ER/4.1 IP) … was optioned to Iowa April 10.
Pitched in three games (one start) in spring training, posting a 2.57 ERA (2 ER/7.0 IP).
Pitched for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, tossing 5.2 scoreless innings with six strikeouts in two relief appearances
TORONTO BLUE JAYS NOTES:
THE LATEST: The Blue Jays were unable to complete the comeback in Cleveland yesterday as they were edged, 4-3, by the Guardians…Have gone 19-15 in one-run games for a .559 win%, still 2nd best in the AL (1st: BAL – .656)…Have had each of their last three games and four of their last six contests end with a one-run final… Split a series for the 1st time this season, now 22-14-1 for the year (11-8-1 in road series)…Wrapped up their road trip at 5-2 and now own a 35-28 record while away…The .556 win% in road games is 3rd best in the AL (5th in MLB). Toronto has still won 11 of its last 18 games, 20 of its last 32, and is 39-27 over its last 66 contests…Its .591 win% over that span (since May 26) is the highest mark in the AL (3rd in MLB)…Is currently holding the 3rd AL Wild Card spot, 1.5 games back of Houston (66-50) for the 2nd spot, and 1.5 games up on Seattle (62-52).
OUT-WHITTING THEM: Whit Merrifield singled, doubled, scored a run, and picked up an RBI yesterday…Marked his 20th double of the campaign in what was his 33rd multi-hit game… His 34 hits since the All-Star Break are the most among AL hitters. The three-time All-Star is hitting .342 (40-for-117) with three doubles, eight home runs, and 21 RBI over his last 30 games for a .936 OPS with 14 multi-hit efforts… Is now batting .299 on the season, good for 6th among AL hitters (11th in MLB), while his 21 stolen bases are 10th most.
SPRINGING FORWARD: George Springer singled and doubled as part of a 2-for-4 afternoon yesterday….Was also his 33rd multihit game…Recorded hits in all seven games of the road trip, batting .500 (14-for-28) with five extra-base hits and four RBI (.750 SLG). Since snapping a career-long 0-for-35 hitless streak on Aug. 2 vs. BAL, the Connecticut native has gone 15-for-34 (.441) with four doubles, a home run, five RBI, and four walks (1.167 OPS).
VLAD TIDINGS: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled and drew a walk as he finished 1-for-4 yesterday…Has recorded an ALleading 198 hard-hit balls (95+ MPH) this season, 20 more than the next closest batter (Kyle Tucker – 178), while his average exit velocity of 93.6 ranks 5th.
CAVAN A GOOD TIME: Cavan Biggio entered yesterday’s game as a pinch-hitter in the 7th inning and promptly singled and scored…Is now 3-for-9 with two home runs and two walks in 11 pinch-hit plate appearances this season… Over his last 45 games, has gone 28-for-107 (.262) with 22 runs scored, five doubles, six home rus, and 18 RBI (.824 OPS).
A SPECIAL ONE-DAY DEAL: José Bautista signed a one-day contract with the ballclub this afternoon to officially retire as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays…The three-time Silver Slugger Award winner and six-time All-Star hit 288 home runs in a Blue Jays uniform, and his 54 home runs in 2010 still hold up as the single-season franchise record.
HOME FOR NATIONAL FOES: The Blue Jays are kicking off of a five-game, all-interleague homestand…Have gone 30-24 this season at Rogers Centre…The .556 win% at home is tied for 6th in the AL…After this series with the Cubs, will have Monday off before a pair of games vs. Philly (64-52). Toronto batters rank 4th in the AL in home AVG (.254), 4th in home OBP (.328), 7th in home OPS (.733), and 8th in home SLG (.405)…The pitching staff ranks 2nd among AL teams with 3.44 home ERA while sitting 3rd with a .228 home opponents’ average and 7th with a 1.21 home WHIP.
WHAT A RELIEF: Toronto’s bullpen tossed another 4.0 scoreless innings yesterday and allowed just two runs to score across 19.2 innings during the seven-game road trip (0.92 ERA)…Since June 20th, Blue Jay relievers lead the AL in ERA (2.96), FIP (3.40), opponents’ SLG (.347), opponents’ OPS (.641), HR/9 (0.71), and inherited runners scored % (17.7).
PITCHING IN: Toronto pitchers have combined for a 3.73 ERA this season, the best mark among all MLB teams… Are tied for 2nd in MLB with 1,100 strikeouts (1st: MIN – 1,119)…Rank 6th in the AL in WHIP (1.25) and 6th in opponents’ average (.241)…The rotation has 55 quality starts, 3rd most in MLB.
HITTING IT: Toronto batters have notched 1,039 hits this season, 3rd most in MLB (TEX – 1,084; ATL – 1,054)…Are currently 2nd in the AL in team OBP (.331), 3rd in AVG (.261), 5th in OPS (.749), 6th in SLG (.418), and 7th in extra-base hits (353).
FULL STEAM FOR 17: The Blue Jays have reached the final series of a stretch of 17 games in 17 days…Have gone 8-6 with a +11 run differential through 14 contests.
INTERTAINMENT: Toronto is playing its 12th interleague series of the year…Has gone 22-10 vs. NL clubs so far…The .688 win% in interleague games is the best among MLB teams (2nd: PHI – .632)…Has set a club record with the 22 wins vs. NL clubs (14 in 2021). The Blue Jays have hit 672 home runs all-time in Interleague Play, the most among all 30 teams (2nd: NYY – 643).
VS. THE CUBS: All-Time: 10-8
2022: 2-1 Home: 8-4
Home: 2-1 Rogers Centre: 8-4
The Blue Jays are taking on the Cubs in their only head-to-head series of the season…Took two of three from them when they met here at Rogers Centre last season, while all three games were decided by two-or-fewer runs…Have won eight of the 12 all-time contests played in Toronto.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 6-for-12 with a double, a homer, two RBI, and a walk in the three-game series vs. Chicago last year, his only career meetings with the Cubs (.833 SLG).
Daulton Varsho played seven games vs. CHC while with Arizona last season and had hits in each contest, combining to go 10-for-30 (.333) with three doubles, a home run, and six RBI…Is a career 16-for-48 (.333) with four doubles, three homers, and 12 RBI over 13 matchups (1.000 OPS).
Paul DeJong leads all current Blue Jays with 90 career games vs. the Cubs…Has hit .215 (66-for-307) with 13 doubles, a triple, 16 home runs, and 43 RBI along the way (.717 OPS).
STARTING PITCHER – José Berríos, RHP #17
TODAY’S GAME: Making his 24th start of the season and his 11th at Rogers Centre…Picked up his 9th win of the year his last time out, on 8/5 at BOS, giving up 3 runs over 5.2 innings (6H, 0BB, 6K). The Blue Jays own a 22-6 record in Berríos’ last 28 starts at Rogers Centre, dating back to 2021. Over his last 21 starts, has gone 9-5 with a 2.78 ERA (39 ER/126.1 IP), 117 strikeouts, and a 1.14 WHIP…His ERA over that span (since 4/14) trails only Nathan Eovaldi (2.17) for the best mark among AL pitchers.
2023 HIGHLIGHTS:
ossed 6.0 frames of one-run ball on 7/30 vs. LAA, scattering 6 hits and a pair of walks with 6 strikeouts. Allowed 2 runs over 5.0 innings on 7/24 at LAD, giving up 5 hits and 4 walks with 3 strikeouts…Was his 200th career MLB start. Took the loss on 7/19 vs. SD, tossing 6.0 frames of two-run ball with 4 hits, 4 walks, and a season-high-tying 9 strikeouts…Threw a season-high 106 pitches (66 strikes)…Was his 11th quality start of the year. Gave up one run over 5.1 innings on 7/14 vs. ARI, scattering 7 hits and a walk with 4 strikeouts. Took a no-decision on 7/6 at CWS(1), throwing 7.0 scoreless innings with a hit, a walk, and 6 strikeouts…Gave up just 1 hit over 7.0 frames for the 2nd time in his career, also doing so exactly 2 years prior against the same team as a member of the Twins (7/6/21 vs. CWS). Picked up his 8th win of the year on 6/24 vs. OAK, giving up 3R/2ER over 6.0 innings (6H, 2BB, 8K). Improved to 7-4 on the year on 6/14 at BAL, taking a no-hitter into the 7th inning before allowing a leadoff single to Adley Rutschman…Marked the longest no-hit bid by a Blue Jay since Ross Stripling also tossed 6.0 hitless innings on 8/17/22 vs. BAL…Finished the game with a season-high 7.2 innings of shutout ball (3H, BB, HBP, 5K)…Improved to a perfect 10-0 lifetime against the O’s (13 starts), joining Jon Lester (14-0) and Red Faber (12-0) as the only pitchers in MLB history to win each of his first 10 career decisions against Orioles/Browns franchise. Won his 6th game of the year on 6/8 vs. HOU, tossing 6.0 innings of 2-run ball (4H, 2BB, 2K)…Marked his 7th quality start of the season. Pitched 5.2 frames of shutout ball on 5/28 at MIN (4H, 5BB, 5K)…Became the winningest pitcher in Target Field history, earning his 33rd career victory to break a tie with Kyle Gibson (32). Worked 7.0 shutout frames on 4/25 vs. CWS, scattering 4 singles and a walk with a season-high 9 strikeouts…Completed 7.0 innings in consecutive starts for the 13th time in his career (last: 3G from 6/4-15/22)…Has allowed 3 runs over his last 3 starts, posting a 1.42 ERA (3 ER/19.0 IP) with a pair of walks and 18 punchouts.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Drafted in the 1st round (32nd overall) by the Twins in 2012. Pitched for Team Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, going 1-0, 8.10 ERA (6.2 IP, 6 ER) with two walks and 10 strikeouts. Named to 2018 and 2019 AL All-Star teams, pitching 1.0 inning in both games. Acquired by Toronto from Minnesota on 7/30/21 in exchange for INF Austin Martin and RHP Simeon Woods Richardson. In 2021, set a career high with 204 strikeouts, good for 5th in the AL…His 3.52 ERA was 5th best in the AL while his 192.0 innings pitched ranked 2nd.
VS. THE CUBS:
Facing the Cubs for the 4th time in his career…Met the Northsiders last season on 8/29 at Rogers Centre, giving up 4 runs over 5.2 innings (10H, BB, 4K)…Has allowed 10 runs over 16.0 combined frames (5.63 ERA) in his 3 starts vs. CHC, giving up 20 hits with 6 walks and 10 strikeouts.
