Hendricks claimed that the bullpen arms taught him a lot about his routine and that this helped him become more deliberate in his approach.
How Kyle Hendricks’ time in bullpen is benefitting him during Cubs’ playoff push
Hendricks said he learned a lot about his routine from the bullpen arms and has become more intentional in his approach.
Three months ago, it looked like Kyle Hendricks’ Cubs career was coming to an unceremonious end. On May 17, the veteran right-hander was 0-4 with a 10.57 ERA over seven starts. Manager Craig Counsell removed him from the rotation.
But after a stint in the bullpen that he credits for turning around his season, Hendricks rejoined the starters June 19. He said he learned a lot about pregame routine from the other bullpen pitchers and has become more intentional in his prep.
“The throwing sessions are maybe a little more frequent but a lot shorter,” Hendricks — now 3-10, 6.35 — said Friday after allowing two runs (one earned) and five hits over five innings in the Cubs’ win against the Blue Jays at Wrigley Field. “My pregame warmup is way shorter. I learned I knew what I need to do to get ready, get hot and then go out there and compete. Save your competitive bullets and really focus when you’re out there.”
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