Just a few days ago, the Chicago Cubs announced that Kyle Hendricks would not pitch for the remainder of the 2022 campaign. After diagnosing a shoulder tear in his throwing shoulder, the team and Hendricks agreed beginning his recovery for 2023 was the right move after multiple setbacks.
As indicated by Bruce Levine, this injury has hampered Hendricks since May. No doubt that helps explain his brutal season. In 16 starts this season, Hendricks owned a 4-6 record with a 4.80 ERA. In just 84.1 innings of work, Hendricks posted 66 strikeouts compared to 24 walks. Although Hendricks struggled last season as well, 2022 marks his worst ERA for a single season in his career.
Hopefully a full offseason of healing for Hendricks gets him back to his old form. After posting sensational numbers for majority of his career, The Professor and his definition of consistency personified faltered the last two seasons. If he returns to form in 2023, the Cubs’ rotation could be primed for a big season, potentially leading to a playoff berth. However, it all begins in Arizona in the coming days for one of the longest-tenured Cubs.
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