Kyle Hendricks is clearly ready to come back to the big leagues.
After a long rehab process for tendinitis in his right hand, which would not clear up as quickly as originally expected, Hendricks threw his second outing for the AA Tennessee Smokies tonight, and I’d say he’s feeling fine.
Hendricks threw 63 pitches through five innings of work, during which he retired every batter he faced. Yes, that would be five perfect innings, and they were the only innings he pitched, so I’m gonna say KYLE HENDRICKS TOTALLY THREW A PERFECT GAME TONIGHT!!! WOO!!!!
The current expectation, barring injury, is that Hendricks will return to the Cubs the next time through the rotation, taking the spot of Mike Montgomery (currently slated to pitch on Wednesday, and then would move into the bullpen). It remains possible that the Cubs will go with six starters for a little while, or if there is still a chance that tomorrow’s starter, John Lackey, instead departs the rotation.
For now, though, the news is simply good. Perfect, almost.