Cubs Push Back Kyle Hendricks’ Return Date

Hendricks, who hasn’t pitched since July 5 when he was shut down with shoulder soreness, was scheduled to possibly return to the Chicago Cubs’ rotation sometime in August. With his MRI still showing inflammation in his right shoulder, there’s a chance he may not return at all for the rest of the season.

It hasn’t been a year for the record books for Hendricks due to stints on the IL and not having his best stuff throughout the season. But he has shown signs of Professor-esque performances here and there. In early May, the veteran right-hander nearly threw a complete game shutout against the San Diego Padres going 8.2 innings. In late June, he reminded St. Louis fans that he can still dominate Cardinal hitters by throwing 7.1 innings of shut-down baseball.

For the season, Kyle Hendricks has a 4.80 ERA in 16 starts with 66 strikeouts, 24 walks, and a 1.292 WHIP across 84.1 innings pitched.

With Hendricks still unable to throw right now, and the end of the regular season nearly a month and a half away, there’s a strong chance we may not see him pitch another game this year. In fact, it might be a smart move to just go ahead and shut down the Professor for the rest of the season. Either way, hopefully the shoulder issue is nothing serious and Hendricks is ready to go by Opening Day next season.