CINCINNATI — If anybody nonetheless questioned whether or not Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks had turned his regular April showers into his typical May powers, contemplate his 3-1 victory in opposition to the Reds on Tuesday night time.
On the best way to the Cubs’ 23rd victory in 30 video games, within the opener of a six-game street journey, Hendricks:
• Delivered as many hits (three) as he allowed in eight-plus innings.
• Outscored the Reds by himself, contemplating his first hit was a two-out, two-run double over the shallow-playing middle fielder within the second inning.
Daniel Descalso (left) and Albert Almora Jr. (middle) rejoice with Jason Heyward after scoring on Hendricks’ second-inning double.
• Improved to 2-Zero with an ERA of 0.36 in three begins this month after a tough April.
“He was just doing it all today; it’s super- impressive,” mentioned Kris Bryant, who doubled and scored the Cubs’ third run within the fifth. “I don’t know if he’s going to keep up the hitting, but the pitching, I just hope he does that.”
Hendricks (3-4), who retired the primary 10 batters he confronted, lowered his profession ERA in May to 2.51 however mentioned this roll is extra a couple of mindset — and improved command — that started 5 begins in the past.
“That was impressive,” mentioned supervisor Joe Maddon, who pulled Hendricks after his lone stroll main off the ninth. “His exit velocities have been properly above common for any beginning pitcher within the final 10 years.
“His command was excellent. He stored getting higher.”
Capable substitute
Anthony ‘‘Pipp’’ Rizzo? Probably not. But the Gold Glove first baseman at the very least can relaxation his achy again whereas resting assured he has a succesful substitute in pal Bryant, who had his second three-hit efficiency in as many video games and has fielded properly filling in for Rizzo.
Rizzo mentioned his again felt higher the final two days and hoped to be again within the lineup Wednesday or Thursday.
But the place?
“I think he’s going to have to go pitch,” Bryant mentioned with a smile simply earlier than Rizzo walked previous and a close-by smart man dropped a “Wally Pipp.”
“I’ve already been messing with him,” Bryant mentioned, “that his WAR goes down as a result of I’m a greater substitute participant.
“I’m simply doing what I can over there.’’
Rizzo’s again first tightened through the center of Saturday’s 15-inning recreation on a chilly, moist, muddy day.
“That’s a recipe for catastrophe for me, and I do know that,” Rizzo mentioned of the circumstances and his balky decrease again, which tends to sideline him for a number of days every season.
“I attempt to keep engaged, and I used to be stretching. But there’s nothing I can do greater than what I’ve already been doing.
“I’m actually hoping it feels so much higher [Wednesday].”
This and that
Closer Brandon Morrow (elbow), who was shut down final month after a setback, is to be evaluated within the subsequent few days with a watch towards restarting a throwing program.
The membership is hoping for a return in July.
— Third-base coach Brian Butterfield, who has battled vertigo a lot of the season, remained in Chicago and underwent extra assessments after lacking the weekend sequence in opposition to the Brewers.
“He’s fine,” Maddon mentioned.
“We’re just waiting for him to feel better.”
— Injury-plagued Adbert Alzolay (lat), final yr’s high pitching prospect within the group, makes his first begin of the season Friday with Class AAA Iowa.
— Catcher Victor Caratini (hand) could be again from the injured record earlier than the Cubs open their subsequent sequence Friday in Washington.
“He’s on the verge,” Maddon mentioned.