As the National League Central race heats up, the Chicago Cubs are implementing vital changes to their lineup. Veteran starting pitcher, Kyle Hendricks, is making his way to the bullpen after struggles on the mound in recent inadequate starts. This new challenge for Hendricks is hopefully the change of pace needed for him to produce the elite numbers he is known for.
While Hendricks takes on his new role, Dansby Swanson has made his awaited return from the IL. The Cubs have reinstated him this week after being out since May 8. Swanson faced his former team, the Atlanta Braves, this week as he returned to action
Will these changes lead the Cubs to more victories moving forward?
Cubs Starter Turned Reliever
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Hendricks has been deemed a valuable asset to Chicago since he debuted in 2014. As a constant in the starting rotation since then, he helped lead the team to their first World Series in over a century in 2016. Hendricks has posted consistent numbers throughout his career but has never faced struggles like he has this season.
Hendricks is currently harboring a 10.47 ERA in the eight games he has played. While putting in a total of 32.2 innings of work, Hendricks has not been able to toss more than five innings in any game this season. He has a current record of 0-4 while posting a WHIP of 2.02. Out of the 162 batters he has faced, Hendricks has only registered 26 Ks.
In Hendricks’ 10-year MLB career, he has played in 256 games. Only two of those appearances came out of the bullpen in 2016 and 2018. Though his relief experience is limited, both Hendricks and the Cubs are hopeful this change will get him back on the right track to join the rotation again down the road.
Swanson Makes His Return
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On May 8, Swanson was placed on the IL due to a right knee sprain. The injury occurred during a play on the bases back in April. He returned to the diamond on May 21. Before being placed on the IL, he was batting just .209. For Swanson, his performance was not where he or the Cubs wanted it to be at this point in the season.
Since his return, he has played 3 games, all of those against his former hometown team. Over those three games, Swanson has recorded four hits. He has managed to raise his batting average to .223. He hopes to continue to settle back in and heat up for the remainder of the season.
Cubs Moving Forward
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With their star shortstop back in the lineup, the Cubs hope this will be what they need to rise to the top of their division as they are only 2.5 games back from the Milwaukee Brewers with a record of 27-24.
The switch of Hendricks to the bullpen leaves the starting rotation with more room and great talent. With standout pitchers like Shota Imanaga in the rotation, they are hopeful their starters can go deep into games and allow the bullpen to work fewer innings going forward.
The Cubs return to action tonight as they take on the St. Louis Cardinals in a two-game series following a postponement of their game on Friday night.
About The Author
Rebekah Cook is a sports journalist from North Carolina who specializes in Major League Baseball. She is a recent graduate from the University of South Carolina Aiken where she worked in the athletic department covering all sports through her writing. An avid sports fan, Rebekah has played softball for 16 years, including at the collegiate level. Sports Journalism has been her passion for nearly 10 years
