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Jesse Rogers, ESPN Workers Author
CHICAGO — Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks is taking his demotion to the bullpen in stride, stating he is trying ahead to the brand new “problem.”
“I am truthfully excited for the chance and the problem, in a means,” Hendricks stated Wednesday afternoon. “It has been nice being down there with the fellows for a sport. … It is about giving the group the perfect likelihood to win on the finish of the day. That is all I am attempting to be about.”
Hendricks, 34, struggled this season as a starter, posting a ten.57 ERA in seven video games. He’ll head to the bullpen for the primary time in his profession after making 253 begins, all with the Cubs. His lone profession reduction look got here again in 2016, which additionally was the 12 months he led the MLB with a 2.13 ERA.
“I’ve picked a whole lot of guys’ brains which have carried out each,” Hendricks stated. “I picked up a whole lot of good nuggets already.”
The Cubs haven’t got an outlined position for Hendricks, however he stated he advised supervisor Craig Counsell he’s prepared for something. Hendricks stated he knew change was on the horizon after such a tough begin to the 12 months for him.
“You anticipate one thing to occur,” he stated. “It was simply going horrible, clearly. You possibly can’t put up these sorts of outcomes.”
Hendricks gave up 50 hits in simply 30⅔ innings as a starter, together with 10 dwelling runs. He stated he’s hopeful he can contribute to a successful group and repair his sport on the similar time. The Cubs are at present in second place within the Nationwide League Central.
“The one strategy to actually work on stuff is on the market in a sport, on the market with a hitter within the field, seeing how my stuff is enjoying and getting outs,” Hendricks stated. “That is the place I will know if it is proper or unsuitable.”
Hendricks is the lone participant remaining from the Cubs’ 2016 World Collection group. A fan favourite, he’s simply weeks away from passing the 10-year mark within the massive leagues. He was requested if he has contemplated his future if issues proceed to go south on the mound for him.
“You concentrate on that for some time,” he stated. “I am so fortunate and grateful, on a regular basis I’ve gotten right here in Chicago. Enjoying in entrance of the perfect followers on the planet at Wrigley Discipline. I am taking it sooner or later at time. Every time that day comes, we’ll strategy that head on. I am attempting to remain within the second and see the place it takes me.”
