The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to turn their recent series struggles around as they host the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night. After clinching a 5-1 win in the first game of the three-game series on Tuesday, the Blue Jays hope to continue their momentum with Ernie Clement delivering a strong offensive presence.
Recently, Toronto has dropped three out of four series, with their only success being a sweep of the Colorado Rockies last week. Meanwhile, the Cubs have had a difficult road trip, going 1-3 over their last six games and holding a 2-5 record in their last seven matchups.
Cubs Unable to Capitalize Despite Opportunities
The Chicago Cubs struggled to convert scoring chances during Tuesday’s loss, going just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 players stranded on base. Their offense has faltered over multiple games, reflecting broader team issues amid this extended slump.
Similarly, the Blue Jays have had close contests recently but managed to escape precarious situations in the past two games. On Sunday, for example, they edged out the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-4 despite the Dodgers leaving 16 runners on base and hitting only 1-for-10 with runners ready to score.
Ernie Clement’s Unexpected Power Boosts Toronto
Ernie Clement provided a significant spark for Toronto on Tuesday when he homered with a three-run shot in the fourth inning. Notably, Clement admitted he missed a bunt sign before choosing to swing at a first-pitch hanging slider and then sending the ball over the left-field wall.
You’re living right when you’re doing that,
said Toronto manager John Schneider.
I’m glad he missed the sign.
If you’re going to do that and miss a sign, you had better hit a homer or they’re going to be pretty (angry) at you,
Clement added.
Clement’s hot streak continues as he has homered in three consecutive games, including the game-winning shot during Sunday’s ninth inning. This marks the second time in Clement’s career he has achieved homers in three straight games, and the first time he has hit four in five games. Over his last 19 appearances, he is batting an impressive .329 with five home runs and 13 RBIs.
Cubs Manager Acknowledges Missed Opportunities
Chicago’s manager Craig Counsell recognized the team’s struggle to find key hits during the game.
That was the game, to me, is that they got the big hit and we did not,
Counsell stated.
The optimism is that we have good hitters, and we have scored a lot of runs this year, and they’ve done a lot of damage this year.
Pitching Matchups Set for Wednesday’s Game
The Blue Jays plan to start right-hander Kevin Gausman (8-8, 3.58 ERA) against the Cubs. This will mark Gausman’s first appearance versus Chicago since 2022, during which he holds a 3-3 record with a 6.10 ERA in seven career games (six starts) against them. The Cubs will counter with rookie right-hander Cade Horton (6-3, 3.18 ERA), who faces Toronto for the first time.
After Tuesday, Toronto used five relief pitchers following Jose Berrios’ 5 1/3 innings of scoreless work. In contrast, Chicago utilized only two pitchers during their game, which should leave their bullpen well rested for the remaining series games. Cubs starter Javier Assad allowed four runs in four innings during his first start since spring training, returning from a left oblique strain. Ben Brown pitched the final four innings for Chicago.
Roster Updates Benefit Both Teams
Toronto welcomed back second baseman Andres Gimenez from the injured list after a sprained ankle. Gimenez contributed offensively with a single and a walk in three plate appearances on Tuesday.
The Cubs reactivated catcher Miguel Amaya from the injured list, joining Carson Kelly and former Blue Jays catcher Reese McGuire to form a trio of catchers on Chicago’s roster. Cubs Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the value of this depth behind the plate.
Catching is a position that we didn’t want to have to start anew with if something happened,
Counsell said.
Reese has done good with this opportunity.
Meanwhile, Chicago designated utility player Jon Berti for assignment and optioned former Blue Jays reliever Nate Pearson to Triple-A Iowa, aiming to adjust their roster flexibility.
Implications for the Series and Future Outlook
Ernie Clement’s recent offensive surge provides the Blue Jays with increased confidence as they pursue a series victory against the Cubs. With pitching matchups favoring rested arms and key players returning from injury, Toronto seeks to build on their narrow escape from previous close games. The Cubs, meanwhile, face pressure to capitalize on scoring chances and get back to winning ways on the road.
The outcome of Wednesday’s game could set the tone for the remainder of the series, influencing playoff positioning and team morale. Both clubs have adjustments to make, but the Blue Jays seem poised to leverage their momentum and Clement’s unexpected power to claim the series win.