Key Takeaways:
• Chicago Cubs in close competition for first position in the National League Central despite key injuries.
• Cubs’ key player Kyle Hendricks a disappointment this season due to injuries and performance.
• Despite the setback, the Cubs have decided to exercise Hendricks’ club option.
• Injured players Justin Steele and Hendricks are expected to return soon.
Chicago Cubs’ Challenging Start
As the Major League Baseball (MLB) 2024 season unfolds, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in the thrust of an intense contest for the lead in the National League Central. Despite dealing with key injuries, the team is just trailing by a single game behind the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Cubs’ Struggle with Injuries
The first month of this season has seen the Cubs dealing with a slew of significant injuries. Foremost among these is the injury to key player Kyle Hendricks, who after a rocky start this season is now on the injured list.
Hendricks, now in his 11th season with the Cubs, is currently ranked No. 4 on Bleacher Report’s Kerry Millers’ “Ranking the 10 Biggest Disasters of the 2024 MLB Season So Far”. According to Miller, Hendricks has had consistently disappointing appearances, conceding at least one earned run per inning pitched in each of his first five starts of this season.
Hendricks and His Performance
Originally traded from the Texas Rangers in summer of 2012 for Ryan Dempster, Hendricks has had his share of shines and slumps with the Cubs over the years. His recent disappointing performances have however, put a significant spotlight on him.
Despite a subdued performance in the last two years, 2022 saw Hendricks making only 16 starts while making an encouraging leap to 24 starts in 2023, with improved statistics in ERA, strikeouts per nine innings, and fewer home runs and walks allowed.
Hendricks’ Future with the Cubs
Despite the concerning outlook, the Cubs decided to exercise Hendricks’ club option from his four-year, $55.5 million contract extension signed in 2019. The club option, worth $16 million, was arguably one of the toughest decisions in the league. However, Hendricks’ considerable regression this season, with an ERA touching an alarming mark of 12.00, has reignited debates about the prudence of this decision.
Moreover, his allowed eight home runs in just five starts is something that has surpassed half of the total 13 he allowed in the entire previous season.
Injury Blow to the Cubs’ Rotation
Justin Steele, another Cubs’ stalwart, incurred a “Grade 1 strain” in his left hamstring on the opening day, which further weakened the team’s starting rotation. However, under the guidance of manager Craig Counsell, both Steele and Hendricks are edging closer to their return.
Steele made a successful rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on May 1 and is scheduled to be activated from the IL to start against the Padres on May 6. Hendricks too kicked off his rehab path with Double-A Tennessee on May 2 and is anticipated to start for Triple-A Iowa on May 7.
Though the signs point towards a return for both, Hendricks’ performance woes coupled with injury issues cast some doubts about his future.
As the Cubs navigate through the season with a tight race at the top and the uncertainties brought about by the injuries, only time will tell if they can retain their rank in the League and whether their key players will manage to bounce back to form.