A day after tossing three innings of shutout ball against the Dodgers, the Cubs reassigned RHP Kyle Hendricks to minor league camp. The Cubs announced the spring roster move Saturday. With Hendricks no longer in big league camp, the Cubs spring roster officially stands at 53 players.
Kyle Hendricks made three Cactus League starts and squared off against Eric Jokisch during the Intrasquad game on Feb. 26. Hendricks allowed three runs on five hits with six walks and 10 strikeouts in eight innings this spring (3.38 ERA, 1.38 WHIP).
The Cubs have been consistent in the fact Hendricks needs more time in the minors. Even with Chris Bosio in his corner, Kyle Hendricks was slated to begin the season at Triple-A Iowa before camp began.
The fifth spot in the Cubs’ rotation appears to be down to Carlos Villanueva, Chris Rusin and James McDonald due to the fact Jake Arrieta has not thrown in a Cactus League game. Arrieta will throw a live batting practice session on Sunday.
Kyle Hendricks will increase his innings in minor league Spring Training games and should be on the hill for the Iowa Cubs on Opening Day. Hendricks and Jokisch should be 1-2 in the I-Cubs’ rotation when the season begins.