CHICAGO — Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks is taking his demotion to the bullpen in stride, stating he is wanting ahead to the brand new “problem.”
“I am actually excited for the chance and the problem, in a means,” Hendricks mentioned Wednesday afternoon. “It has been nice being down there with the blokes for a sport. … It is about giving the crew 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 yr he led the MLB with a 2.13 ERA.
“I’ve picked numerous guys’ brains which have accomplished each,” Hendricks mentioned. “I picked up numerous good nuggets already.”
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The Cubs do not have an outlined function for Hendricks, however he mentioned he advised supervisor Craig Counsell he’s prepared for something. Hendricks mentioned he knew change was on the horizon after such a tough begin to the yr for him.
“You count on one thing to occur,” he mentioned. “It was simply going horrible, clearly. You possibly can’t put up these sorts of outcomes.”
Hendricks gave up 50 hits in simply 30â…” innings as a starter, together with 10 house runs. He mentioned he’s hopeful he can contribute to a successful crew and repair his sport on the identical time. The Cubs are at the moment in second place within the Nationwide League Central.
“The one technique 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 taking part in and getting outs,” Hendricks mentioned. “That is the place I’ll know if it is proper or mistaken.”
Hendricks is the lone participant remaining from the Cubs’ 2016 World Sequence crew. 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 consider that for some time,” he mentioned. “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 this planet at Wrigley Area. I am taking it in the future 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.”
