Before the All-Star Break, I touched on how important Kyle Hendricks is to this Chicago Cubs team. Without him backing up Jon Lester atop the rotation, a dramatic gap exists between the team’s ace and the other four starters on this club.
On Friday, Jon Lester aims for his National League-leading 13th win at Wrigley against the rival St. Louis Cardinals. And, although Chicago came away with the victory in the series opener, Hendricks struggled again.
He lasted just 4 2/3 innings, throwing a staggering 113 pitches and allowing three runs.