Pro Sports

Hendricks breezes in Cubs' Cactus League opener

Posted March 01, 2021 12:00 am

Scot Gregor

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Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks throws during the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Monday, March 1, 2021, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The Cubs will use most of spring training to figure out the 2-5 spots in their starting rotation.

While they haven't officially announced their No. 1 starter, Kyle Hendricks is a pretty safe bet to get the ball when the Cubs open the regular season on April 1 against the Pirates at Wrigley Field.

Hendricks started the Cubs's first exhibition game Monday and pitched 2 scoreless innings in a 1-0 win over the Padres at Peoria, Ariz. The game was limited to 7 innings.

The crowd at the Peoria Sports Complex was announced at only 1,636 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but Hendricks appreciated having fans on hand after last season was played in front of empty seats.

"You hear everything," Hendricks told MLB.com. "It was just back to somewhat normal. It was super exciting. Walking out there and seeing fans in the stands, having people cheer, we obviously really, really missed that."

Before the game, Cubs manager David Ross was asked about the growing likelihood fans will be back at Wrigley this season.

"Very optimistic about that," he said. "I've been on a couple calls that are encouraging. I think everybody is trying to get back to a sense of normalcy but as well as understanding we've got to keep people safe."

Relievers Shelby Miller, Rex Brothers, Joe Biagini, Tyson Miller and Trevor Megill combined with Hendricks to shut out San Diego.

The game's lone run came in the fifth inning.

David Bote led off with a walk and moved to second base on Ildemaro Vargas' single. After Ian Miller bunted both runners up a base, Bote scored on P.J. Higgins' groundout.

The Cubs were limited to 2 hits in the abbreviated game, singles from Javier Baez and Vargas.

Anthony Rizzo led off and was 0-for-2 with a walk, but Ross said Ian Happ is likely to hit first when the season starts.

Last year, Happ led off in 37 games and hit .239/.333/.486 with 9 home runs and 18 RBI.

"I think Ian gets the opportunity to continue that role," Ross said. "Phenomenal year for the abbreviated season. He continues to grow and find out his strengths and weaknesses. I can see him continuing to get better, get on base in front of some horses."

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez, right, throws to first for the double play hit into by San Diego Padres' Victor Caratini (not shown) after forcing Padres' Haseong Kim, left, out at second during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 1, 2021, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Chicago Cubs' Javier Baez blows a bubble as he waits for a pitch during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Monday, March 1, 2021, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Chicago Cubs' P.J. Higgins loses his bat during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Monday, March 1, 2021, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Chicago Cubs right fielder Rafael Ortega catches a foul ball hit by San Diego Padres' Webster Rivas to end the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 1, 2021, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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