Kyle Hendricks Will Pitch Out of Bullpen, For Now

Although this doesn't shut the door on a potential return to the rotation, this is a huge step in the right direction for the Cubs. They need their starters to continue serving as the strength of this team, and taking Hendricks out of the rotation does that. Hendricks owns a 10.57 ERA over seven starts in 2024. Something clearly isn't working, and Counsell is going to try and use Hendricks out of the bullpen.

Who will replace Hendricks in the rotation? The likely fix is Jordan Wicks returning to his spot in the rotation once healthy. That means Javier Assad, Tuesday's starter, will stay in the rotation for the foreseeable future. He's off to a hot start, owning a 1.49 ERA in 2024. 

The Cubs will welcome the Braves to Wrigley Field on Tuesday for the start of a three-game set. With Assad on the bump, Dansby Swanson has been activated from the IL and is in the lineup. Hopefully a fresh and healthy lineup, also featuring a returning Nico Hoerner, provides the necessary spark to get a big win.