Cubs: 3 players the organization ruined in 2021
By Mark Powell
Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks has been anything but an ace of late
14 wins looks nice on the surface, but an ERA near 5 is, uh, not promising.
Hendricks was the culprit just a few nights ago when the Cubs blew an early 7-0 lead to the Philadelphia Phillies, who are fighting for an NL Wild Card spot. The Phillies won 17-8, with Hendricks giving up seven runs in just under four innings of work.
Yet, the Cubs don’t plan on shutting Hendricks down, despite his struggles. Hendricks doesn’t want that, and David Ross plans on honoring his wishes.
“I think what’s important for Kyle,” Ross said on Friday, “is that we do right by him and what he wants to do. And that lines up with our expectations of him.”
Hendricks believes he can at least end his season on a high note, despite a brutal stretch of starts.
“What he’s shown the last couple starts is uncharacteristic of him,” Ross said. “We talked about that. He agreed. He wants to get back to establishing what he does well.”
The Cubs are being patient with Hendricks, but it might be to his detriment.