The Cubs are hoping to be able to have veteran starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks ready for opening day, but it seems the team won’t be rushing him back, according to a report from Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times. Hendricks ended the season on the injured list rehabbing a capsular tear in his shoulder that limited him to just 84 innings in 2022.
Per reports at the end of October, Hendricks was a bit behind in his throwing schedule, having hoped to start playing catch by the end of the 2022 season. Instead, that target was shifted to November.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy provided an update to Lee, saying Hendricks is on a regimented throwing program and is playing catch off flat ground. Obviously there’s still a fair bit of rehab to go between that and pitching in baseball games, but it seems the Cubs are still hopeful he can be a part of the opening day roster.
“I’m so overly focused on getting Kyle back to being the best version of himself and not rushing it, not pushing it. We all know what Kyle can do when he feels great, when he’s healthy, when he’s locked in,” Hottovy told Lee.
The 16 starts Hendricks made in 2022 was the fewest he’d made in a season since 2014 (excluding the 2020 campaign). While his output has dropped back a bit in recent years, he’s still been a valuable starter over the past few seasons for Chicago, working to a 4.78 ERA over 265 1/3 innings over 2021-22.
The Cubs currently have him penciled into a rotation that also features veterans Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon and Drew Smyly. Left-hander Justin Steele took a step forward in 2022 and looks set to be the fifth option in that group. That makes for a solid five-man rotation, yet the Cubs have some good options should Hendricks not be ready for the season as well. Adrian Sampson had some success in 19 starts last season, and could get a look, while Keegan Thompson, Hayden Wesneski and Javier Assad are all young options who’ve done well in their brief time in the majors.
In the bullpen, the Cubs are counting on the return of Codi Heuer at some stage. Heuer had Tommy John surgery in spring training last year, but Lee’s reports he remains on track for a return to the mound sometime in late-June or early-July. After coming over to the Cubs in a cross-town trade with the White Sox that included Nick Madrigal and Craig Kimbrel, Heuer tossed 28 2/3 innings of 3.14 ERA ball in relief. He doesn’t get many strikeouts, but induces a lot of soft contact and with a strong Cubs defense behind him could do well. Heuer is projected for a modest raise to $800K through his first year of arbitration (courtesy of Matt Swartz’ projections) and is under team control for another three seasons.
Sticking with injured relievers, the Yankees bullpen was dealt a significant blow when Michael King went down with a fractured elbow. King had tossed 51 innings of 2.29 ERA ball, and had blossomed into a dominant multi-inning reliever for the Yankees. Chris Kirscher of The Athletic reports that King may not be ready for opening day, calling it a “tad optimistic” to think he’ll be up to speed for the first game of the season. In any event, Kirschner adds that King has begun his throwing program and is “progressing well”, so there doesn’t seem to be much concern that King is at risk of any major setback in his recovery.
Looking forward to seeing what Hayden Wesneski can do for the Cubs. He’s got some wicked movement on his pitches.
Hopefully they don’t rush King back and they use the season to gradually build him up with the anticipation of using him in the postseason.
You’re correct Clip, regarding Wesneski. Between him, Steele and Taillon, the Cubs have set themselves up quite well, going forward for the next few years. Assuming they can keep those arms healthy.
@dog & coop
How’s Stroman been doing, admittedly I haven’t kept up with his tenure in Chicago.
Jays need a 5th starter, would probably cause a stir to have him come back. But probably less of a stir than another unnamed available SP
What’s his value to the Cubs currently, also your 5th starter?
Jaysfan- Stroman isn’t going anywhere. He’s got an opt out after this season for 2024. The only way the Cubs deal him is if at the deadline, the wheels have totally come off and they aren’t even sniffing a Playoff spot. If he opts out you can pony up your money then.
Marcus is straight trash and a club house cancer
Stroman pitched well for Chicago. He had the same 3.50 ERA as Gerrit Cole for a lot less money, and his ERA+ was better and so was his bWAR.
Wesneski might be the best in the rotation at the end of the season. Great command and a filthy slider. Induces a lot of ground balls, which will play well with cubs’ middle infield.
I thought Steele could be the best on their rotation. He seemed to get better as the season went on.
Hey Clip, yes me too. Cubs fan here and I liked what I saw. For a younger guy, he has poise on the mound. There is something about him apart from just his “stuff” – intangibles that I really like. I would have him as one of the 5 if it was up to me.
I think he will be. He just seems to have it. You guys have a sneaky good rotation, imo, along with some good relievers.
Totally agree. He kept his nerves in check and had some nasty stuff too. I look forward to watching him this year. Maybe Killian does better in his next chance too. Wishful thinking
The Cubs sent Killian back to Iowa last year for one purpose. That was to learn an off speed pitch. He went back and got rocked so obviously it didn’t go well so looking forward to Spring to see if he’s made any improvement. Wicks already has the best change up in the organization so also looking forward to see how he does against Major Leaguer’s but I expect him to start at Iowa with Brown, Asad and Killian.That’s not a bad rotation in itself.
Hell no that ICubs team in general is gonna be good.
I don’t think they’ll rush King back. They have good depth in the pen.
He’s an absolute stud. I like Scott Effross, and I hate that his season ended with TJS. Yankees got a solid bullpen arm with him when he’s healthy. Wesneski already has an immaculate inning. Definitely the Ace of the Cubs future.
Not sure how much the writer of this article followed the Cubs this year. But Justin Steele did a whole lot more than, ‘just taking a step forward’ in 2022. Is there a rotation in baseball that wouldn’t find a spot for Steele in 2023?
Seems the Cub pitching options for this season, with or without Kyle, should be quite healthy. So much so, that I could see other teams coming to them, about trading from their surplus.
Steele will have a better season than Taillon and Smyly. Cubs have some nice depth. No one that jumps off the page, but they’re a solid group.
They lack a true “ace” but as the Astros are going to find out this upcoming season w/o Verlander, having depth is just as important as having an ace. Of course, the Stros have a much better rotation than the Cubs, but it’s the same point.
Since the Astros went to the World Series without Verlander in 2021 i think they already realize the value and importance of depth.
The Cubs are in an interesting spot right now. They have the potential to be a pretty good team that at the least fights for a Wild Card spot. It is kind of hard to believe that Hendricks is last man standing from the 2016 championship team though
I’m not so sure the Astros rotation is better than the Cubs at this point. It might prove out, But right now they’re not that far apart. Depends on which Tallion they get. The number 2 overall pick or the injured guy.
Especially when you consider how close Urquidy came to being a Cub. If that deal is made the Cubs probably don’t sign Smyly.
I doloq the Cubs as much as anyone – as a writer I have to, plus I’m a fan – and while he looked good, I’m not ready to endorse Steele as one of the starting 5. I actually prefer Wesneski.
Not ready to endorse Steele? He’s the cubs’ number 3, currently. Steele was one of the best starters in baseball in the second half last year.
Barring injuries, the rotation will be Stroman, Taillon, Steele, Smyly, and a battle in spring training for the fifth spot. It would be Hendricks, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be ready.
For the fifth starter, there are three candidates — Sampson, Thompson, and Wesneski. My guess is Sampson will be the guy unless Wesneski dominates. If Wesneski does poorly, he can be optioned to AAA. Or if he’s pitching okay, Wesneski can join Thompson and Alzolay as multi-inning relievers to piggyback Smyly or Sampson, starters that will be pulled quicker. When one of the starters goes down to injury or underperforms, Wesneski or Thompson will replace.
@the coop
You might be a writer, but I bet your opinions aren’t in much demand. To say that ‘you’ aren’t ready to endorse Steele as part of the starting 5, is hilarious. I’m not sure that you could find anyone who actually follows the Cubs, who would agree with that statement. Maybe you ‘cover’ the Berwyn Cubs little league team?
Steele, Much like Killian would be very dangerous if he had an off speed pitch. He’s already dangerous but throws too many pitches trying to overpower guys with gas. An off speed pitch would save wear and tear and induce some weak contact. Will be interesting to see what they’ve come up with this off season. You know they had to be working on it.
Steele has the most upside of any guy in their rotation. He pitched lights out the last two months. He might be their 1.
I said in another article the Cubs have an Ace, I just don’t know who it is yet. Wesneski, Steele, Wicks, Brown, Killian. And don’t sleep on Thompson becoming an Ace. He’s not gonna want to pitch long relief for long and certainly has the stuff.
I do “follow” the Cubs is what I meant to say…
This was my thought when I read the section about Steele. He’s a lock for a rotation spot behind stroman and Taillon and ahead of Hendricks and Smyly.
Cubs fans are hoping that Kyle H can be ready for the season. If he pitches well during the season. Jed Hoyer will be able to package him and Ian Happ to get a boat load of top prospects.for one or more clubs before the trading deadline
Can see the Jays already lining up for that trade.
Who wouldn’t want more good SP and a versatile player like Happ. Was really wishing for him last trade deadline too.
I think Hoyer will try to extend Happ. Over the last two seasons over 864 ABs his line is .275/.347/.476 (127 wRc) with a Gold Glove in ‘22. He adds real value to that team…I think they need to extend Hoerner, too.
Extending Hoerner definitely. Extending Happ, I doubt it. PCA will be here in 2024 for sure.. The Cubs top 3 prospects are OF. Davis is either ready or he’s not at this point. Depending on how it goes with Bellinger he could still be here. Suzuki has a no trade for 5 years. I wouldn’t be surprised if Davis and Velasquez do well in the Spring they deal Happ now. Just don’t tell Drascoo, He’s the Happ fan club president and any mention of dealing him will come with scorn and derision.
I wasn’t a Happ fan til this year. PCA will be wasted if he’s anywhere but CF. His defense is off the charts. The predicament comes if Bellinger has a big comeback year and kills it in Wrigley. I hope they have that “problem”
Bellinger can play 1st and DH. I’ve never seen him do it but I’m sure Belli could play LF also. That’s really not an issue if he kills it this year. Like you said, That would be a nice problem. I’m more worried about PCA running into the bricks at Wrigley. He’ll need to calm way down.
Nico and Happ both need to be extended. Neither should break the bank. The Benitendi contract seems like a good baseline for a Happ deal. 5 for 85.
That’s a good comp. But Happ is a switch hitter and has more power. So he should top that money amount.
Happ is gonna get an extension before the season starts most likely.
The Cubs rotation is solid and most likely as solid as it has been since the NLCS.
The Pen and Third Base are my biggest question marks for the Cubs now.
I believe the Cubs can win the Central but can the Pitching take them through the playoffs?
They have been able to assemble successful pens the past few years using under the radar guys, even after deadline sales.
Two years ago they had one of the best pens..that is why it got picked clean at the deadline. Chafin,Tepera and Kimbrel. Last year too to an extent with Givens and Effross
Yes, Hoyer and company, seem to have a knack for being able to piece a pen together, each season. Plus there are a number of arms in AAA and AA that are close to helping out.
I’m not sure they’re done adding yet.
Yeah, 3B is pretty weak. Wisdom plays maybe average D and is a 1 trick pony with the bat. Morel is a disaster at 3B, but could be decent with the stick. Neither one is very exciting.
The bullpen at first look appears average at best, but I think they actually have a pretty high ceiling. Thompson, Alzolay, and Leiter have been excellent in relief. Look up their split stats as SP vs. RP, it’s quite a difference! I think if they sign 1 more veteran (preferably a lefty), it could really shape up.
CP – Brandon Hughes (L)
Brad Boxberger (R)
1 of: Matt Moore (L), Brad Hand (L), Andrew Chaffin (L)
Keegan Thompson (R)
Albert Alzolay (R)
Mark Leiter Jr. (R)
Rowan Wick (R)
LR – Adrian Sampson (R)
Codi Heuer, Michael Rucker, Manny Rodriguez, Jeremiah Estrada, and others should get in the mix at some point too.
Not sure I agree with a lot of that but:
Wisdom is an elite defender with a cannon for an arm. When Hoerner used to flip to the other side of the diamond in the shift it was Wisdom who was on an island all by himself on the left. And he more than holds his own.
Alzolay- Hughes – Boxberger are excellent late inning options.
Estrada is future closer and will certainly get some play.
Thompson is penciled in as Long Man unless injuries become an issue
Rodriguez and Wick are inconsistent at best.
Rucker will be there as he is steady if nothing else
Leiter was good as a reliever last year but it was a small sample size
Jensen is a possibility but hasn’t been above AA yet
I’ve heard rumblings that they are thinking of using Horton in relief this year to control his innings and give him another year from TJ surgery. Intriguing idea
The 3 LH’s you mentioned aren’t coming here I doubt.
Heuer will be like getting a decent reliever at the deadline without having to
Give anyone up.
All this is based of course on all of them staying healthy.
I think if help for the pen comes it will be via trade, I think the FA signings are done.
Fair enough, but where have you heard this about Cade Horton? Interesting…
Uhhh, Well he pitched last year he wasn’t totally recovered from TJ when he was closing in the College World Series. Then after the draft I heard somebody make the Crochet comparison but the Cubs weren’t playing for anything so it made no sense then. Then they didn’t even bother pitching him anywhere at all last year. I heard it somewhere but I’d be lying if I told you where from as it was months ago. But it made sense then and it does now because the Cubs aren’t exactly lacking for Starters right now. It sounds reasonable enough to be doable.
Bless you uncle Mike, but I think your getting out a little too far, ahead of your ski’s. Horton will not get to Chicago this season. If for no other reason (aside from not being ready), than they will not want to start his ‘clock’ for MLB time.
Yeah it’s probably not going to happen. He won’t even be 22 until August so there’s no need to push him. Jensen however is a guy who is 25 already and really was impacted by the lost 2 years of development by COVID. Both Brendon Little and Jensen are probably going to be fast tracked at this point because stopping their clock won’t matter since they’ll still be controlled into their 30’s so it doesn’t matter. That’s why I think some trades are going o happen this spring and the bullpen additions aren’t over yet. They’re going to have to make some serious 40 man decisions again this year. The other reason I’m looking forward to Spring is to see where exactly what level everyone lands at. Should be a hoot.
So much for whoever that doorknob was who told me that he saw Hendricks throwing darts in Arizona because he lives there. I’m not counting on Hendricks for anything as I’ve never seen anyone ” Rehab” his way back from a capsular tear. I had one myself and my job tried to rehab me and I ended needing surgery And I’m not a Major League pitcher. It’s not like he throws 98 anyway. Even if he plays he’s going to spend more time on the IL than pitching mark my words. Stroman, Steele, Tallion, Smyly and either Sampson or Wesneski when they need a 5th starter is best going forward. Love Hendricks but it’s time to move on, They have way better options in house.
The Cubs are probably the team I’m most interested in heading into 2023. We can see them competing, but we still see them as a work in progress.
Cubs will be brutal, the owner could care less
They likely aren’t “good”, but I can’t see things being “brutal”. I think they are a 78-81 win team, but if a lot went right they could push 85+ wins.
That Ryan Dumpster trade is still painful to think about. Then again, most prospects Texas has traded except for Davis, Hendricks, and maybe Clase (if you considered his a “prospect” at the time) have busted. Do Cubs’ fans remember Mike Olt from the Garza trade?
I believe it was his injury that sent KB to the majors. That’s at least the story they told at the hearing.