Cubs: Should fans be worried about Kyle Hendricks’ Opening Day start?

Kyle Hendricks’ Opening Day start left much to be desired from the Cubs so-called ace.

Hendricks is a holdover from the 2016 World Series team, now tasked with being the lead member of a rotation most Cubs fans hardly recognize.

The 31-year-old is signed through 2024, so he isn’t going anywhere. While Hendricks typically doesn’t throw at a high velocity, his usual 87 MPH fastball decreased a full two miles-per-hour on Thursday afternoon, and it can’t all be attributed to the cold weather.

Hendricks’ breaking pitches have greater effect with a higher velocity fastball. His pinpoint control allows him to get away with less velocity, but 85 MPH is pushing it, to say the least.

Kyle Hendricks’ first start might have some Cubs fans worried

It’s Opening Day, so everything should be taken with a grain of salt. Hendricks is coming off a fantastic shortened 2020 season, in which he went 6-5 with a 2.88 ERA. There’s nothing to suggest we should expect anything different in 2021, despite a sub-par start against the lowly Pirates.

Hendricks was pulled after three innings. He had four strikeouts, but that was paired with three walks. Hendricks typically has great control, so any alternative is uncharacteristic for the veteran hurler.

David Ross pulling Hendricks early was merely due to precaution, not injury. Hendricks, like most pitchers, is coming off an unusual 2020 season and offseason, so expect to see a lot of this moving forward.

In short — no, Cubs fans shouldn’t be bothered by one measly start. However, it’s something to keep an eye on in the early going, especially if Hendricks continues to struggle with his velocity.