Chicago Cubs' Hendricks continues to impress

Can a fifth starter win the Cy Young Award or even get consideration?

As the Chicago Cubs begin August, Kyle Hendricks is making his case.

"He's on his way," said manager Joe Maddon Monday, minutes after Hendricks tossed a complete-game 5-0 victory over the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. "Look at the numbers. Look at the numbers at home. They're absurd."

Hendricks gave the Cubs exactly what they needed, one night after their bullpen was forced to pitch 9 innings because spot starter Brian Matusz could go only 3 against the Seattle Mariners.

The complete game was Hendricks' second of the season as he ran his record to 10-7 with a 2.22 ERA, third lowest in the majors. His ERA at Wrigley Field is 1.19, the best home mark in the big leagues, and he's the only Cubs pitcher with 2 complete games this season.

Hendricks allowed 7 hits and threw a career-high 123 pitches. He got J.T. Realmuto to hit into a game-ending double play. For now, Hendricks said he isn't thinking about adding "Cy" to his name.

"At the end of the day, that's just an accolade," he said of getting votes. "We've got a long way to go, two months left, and our sights are on a lot more than individual honors on this team. And for me especially, I've got my sights set higher for this team."

That said, Hendricks likes the way he's pitching.

"This is the best I've ever pitched, the most confident I've been, I think," said the 26-year-old right-hander. "But, again, it's just been a development all year long, using my other pi[tches. I used my curveball a lot today, especially near the end of the game."

Cubs hitters waited out Marlins starter Adam Conley, who walked six in 4 innings. Addison Russell hit a 2-run single in the first inning. Hendricks had an RBI single in the Cubs' 2-run fifth.

"We needed that tonight, and he absolutely nailed it," Maddon said of Hendricks' total effort. "He was good. How about the basehit? Everything he did tonight was stellar. And he's got this thing, man. Let him pitch deeply into a game when he's in good position.

"He gets this look. He wants to finish the darn thing. He's really grown up. He's been very impressive. Right now, he's one of the best pitchers in the National League, period. No question."

Roster moves:

The Cubs recalled right-handed reliever Spencer Patton from Class AAA Iowa and designated lefty Brian Matusz for assignment. Patton came up to give the beleaguered bullpen a break after Matusz lasted only 3 innings Sunday night, giving up 6 runs.

Still buzzing:

The Cubs' 12-inning, 7-6 comeback victory Sunday night was still a topic of conversation Monday.

"It was an entertaining night," Joe Maddon said. "It worked out well. Having a guy like Travis (Wood) permits it to happen. Without Travis, it can't happen."

Wood, a left-handed reliever, pitched two stints during the game and played left field, making a catch while crashing against the wall.

After the game, Maddon was asked if that kind of game could propel the Cubs on to bigger things.

"We're going to find out," he said. "This kind of thing, if it plays out properly and when you make that DVD at the end of year, this is the game that's highlighted the most."