John Antonoff/For the Sun-Times
MESA, Ariz. – This year, there was no fanfare around Kyle Hendricks’ first bullpen of spring training. He was just a veteran going through a familiar progression Thursday – unlike last February, when every step in his throwing program was closely analyzed for clues on his timeline back from a long shoulder injury.
“I'm just so excited to be out there for Opening Day again, with my guys, [on the field for the] National Anthem, that whole feel, it’s so special,” said Hendricks, who made his 2023 debut in late May, almost 11 months after the injury first sidelined him.