Despite posting a somewhat respectable 3.92 ERA before the All-Star Break, few questioned that Chicago Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks was out of sorts. He had already given up 17 home runs while his K/9 sat at a measly 6.8, including just 2.68 strikeouts per walk.
But as has typically been the case throughout his career, Hendricks rebounded in the second half. He posted a 2.84 ERA in 14 starts, upping his K/9 to 7.9 while his strikeout-to-walk ratio drastically improved to a 6.00 clip. And though common thought may point to Hendricks simply needing time to establish his rhythm, his progression last season says otherwise.