Kyle Hendricks' 2022 season is likely over. The Chicago Cubs longtime starting pitcher announced Monday that a recent MRI revealed a capsular tear in his shoulder. While the righty is hopeful to resume throwing before the end of the season, his main focus is being healthy for 2023.
The 32-year-old has not pitched since July 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers, and will likely finish the season with a career-worst 4.80 ERA. Though 2023 is the final guaranteed year in the 2016 postseason hero's deal, with the influx of young pitchers nearing or already in the major leagues, it'll be interesting to see what the future holds for Hendricks and the Cubs.
In better news, right-handed pitcher Adbert Alzolay began a rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League Cubs Monday. He allowed one run over three innings on three hits and no walks while striking out four batters. The righty has missed the entire season with a shoulder strain.
Though Alzolay has flashed the potential of sticking as a starter in the past, it's likely the Cubs will aim for a reliever role when the Venezuela native returns so as to not put too much additional stress on his shoulder.
It would be a very welcome development for a bullpen that has struggled since the trades of four high-leverage relievers at the trade deadline. The 27-year-old would bring some much-needed swing-and-miss stuff to the table. Whether or not this is his role long-term remains to be seen, but it's good the team will have him back in the fold.
In another positive update, The Athletic's Patrick Mooney reported that the Cubs VP of Player Development Jared Banner did not seem concerned with the status of the team's 2021 first-round pick Jordan Wicks even though he was removed from his previous start after just an inning.
Banner stated the move was precautionary, and that the team had no real causes for concern, a sigh of relief after a concerning situation.
More must-reads: