Cubs expect Hendricks to join rotation this week
Kyle Hendricks threw a bullpen session at Wrigley Field before Tuesday's game in what could be the final step before taking the mound for the Cubs.
Manager David Ross said he expects to slot Hendricks in the starting rotation at some point during this nine-game homestand, he's just not sure which day yet.
“How he goes about a game plan and executing pitches is just so different and unique,” Ross said. “The way he carries himself, within the outing and also between starts. it's a nice face to see around the clubhouse.”
Hendricks last pitched for the Cubs on July 5, 2022, then went on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain. He made five rehab starts for Triple A Iowa. After two bad ones, he's had three straight solid outings.
“He's a hard guy to evaluate in a rehab context,” Cubs president Jed Hoyer said before the game. “What he does really well is read hitters, fool hitters, trick hitters, rely on command and control. I think in the minor leagues sometimes if you don't have that perfectly, it's a tough place.
“But he's pitched really well the last couple times out and just exciting to have him back. I love having him around. He's a perfect teammate.”
The logical day for Hendricks to start would be Saturday against Cincinnati, unless they decide to give Justin Steele an extra day of rest.
Taillon carries on:
Jameson Taillon is slated to start Thursday against the Mets. Not only is he struggling with an 8.10 ERA, the Cubs have lost every one of his seven starts. Jed Hoyer is keeping the faith.
“He's never really struggled like this before,” Hoyer said Tuesday. “He's pitched in the American League East exceptionally well for two years (for the Yankees). The stuff looks great and the same across the board.
“We're all putting our heads together, trying to figure out what's different, whether it's pitch sequencing, whether it's how we're calling a game for him. We're looking at those things really carefully.”
The Cubs signed Taillon to a four-year, $68 million deal last winter and Hoyer made a comparison to a couple other free-agent pitchers.
“I think there's probably a level of trying so hard to impress,” Hoyer said. “He wants to live up to his contract, he wants to impress the fans. (Craig) Kimbrel struggled when he first got here, was awesome after that. (Yu) Darvish struggled when he first got here, almost won the Cy Young.”
Around the horn:
Christopher Morel scored a run in each of his first 11 games this season. That's the second-longest streak in franchise history, behind Hank Sauer's 13 in 1954. ... Morel is the fourth MLB player since 1901 to hit at least 8 home runs in his first 11 games of the season. ... Cody Bellinger (knee) hit in the cage in Philadelphia, then did some light activity Tuesday.
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