Kyle Hendricks returns to Cubs rotation amid rash of injuries
The Cubs announced Sunday that Kyle Hendricks will rejoin the rotation for Wednesday's start aginst the Giants.
After Jordan Wicks left Friday's 3-0 loss against the Cardinals with a Grade 2 right oblique strain, it left the Cubs short in the rotation. Hendricks was put in the bullpen after a rough start to his season. Opponents have slashed .328/.377.545 against Hendricks. In his seven starts before the demotion, Hendricks had a 10.57 ERA.
Hendricks pitched well in relief Friday, throwing 4 ⅓ innings, allowing two hits and zero runs.
“We’ll take a look and see where we’re at,” manager Craig Counsell said Friday. “But we’re down pitchers right now. We’ll see where we’re at when we get there, but I think it looks like it.”
Counsell said he hasn't talked about getting outside reinforcements with president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, so the move to put Hendricks in the rotation was expected.
The team also lost right-hander Ben Brown to a stress reaction in his neck. Given the struggles Hendricks has had, Counsell is impressed with how the veteran right-hander handled his demotion to the bullpen.
"In a lot of ways, Kyle continues to impress you," Counsell said. "Even though he's had a tough go of it so far. He's like we just talked about he's worried about things that he can control. And that's to be ready when his name is called. And to not make it any more complicated than that.
"Easier said than done. With with what Kyle has accomplished and what he has meant here."