Chicago Cubs notes: Kyle Hendricks to begin a rehab assignment, while David Ross pays tribute to Beth Murphy
Kyle Hendricks’ months-long journey to get back on the mound for the Chicago Cubs is nearing its conclusion.
Hendricks is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Thursday at Triple-A Iowa, his final step before rejoining the rotation. Manager David Ross estimated Hendricks will go four innings and throw about 60 pitches in his first start. The Cubs will see how it goes from there, Ross said, and would like to get him multiple rehab starts.
Ross avoided giving a specific number of outings until Hendricks would be ready to come off the injured list, saying “there’s a lot of variables in that that can also change.”
“So we’re going to make sure we bring him up here when he’s healthy and can help us win baseball games,” Ross said Tuesday.
Hendricks, 33, hasn’t pitched in a big-league game since July 5 because of a capsular tear in his right shoulder. He shortened his arm path to clean up his delivery and hopefully avoid a recurrence of the injury.
As he has worked through the rehab process, Hendricks also has seen an uptick in velocity. He touched 90 mph “a couple times,” according to Ross, during extended spring training outings.
Hendricks’ fastball averaged 86.9 mph over 16 starts last year. It hasn’t averaged at least 90 mph since 2016, when his four-seamer was at 90.9 mph. Increasing his fastball velocity has been a focus for Hendricks the last few months as he built back up.
“I don’t think he’s ever going to be the guy who throws 95, but when he’s been at his best, he’s got a 9 in front of that number and it can be really good,” Ross said. “That just separates the deception and the speed between the changeup that is obviously effective for him.
“He’s always going to be a guy who’s going to have elite command. So just prioritizing some of the velocity in his downtime and building up that arm strength to make sure he’s letting it eat every time he steps out on the mound was just a nice focus for him.
“A healthy version of Kyle is going to be a good version. We believe that, especially if he’s throwing a little bit harder.”
David Ross remembers Wrigleyville legend Beth Murphy
As the pandemic delayed Ross’ first season as Cubs manager in 2020, he often found himself in a beloved spot next to Wrigley Field.
Living around the corner from Murphy’s Bleachers at the time, Ross would stop in as restaurants started to open back up. He often would eat there courtesy of the bar’s owner, Beth Murphy, whom Ross called “a phenomenal human.”
He first crossed paths with her during his two years playing for the Cubs. Murphy’s became a gathering spot for Ross’ family for events and to meet up before games.
Murphy, 68, died Monday after a long battle with kidney cancer.
“One of the more kind people you’re going to meet and be around,” Ross said Tuesday. “A real special person to a lot of people that have been a part of the Cubs organization.”
Ross stopped by the bar during the Cubs’ day off Monday to pay his respects. He met Murphy’s son for the first time and learned more about the bar’s history and Murphy’s impact on the neighborhood from general manager Freddy Fagenholz.
“She’s always been great to us and obviously to a lot of the coaches and the fans around here,” Ross said. “That place is a staple for Chicago and the Cubs.”
Cody Bellinger goes on paternity list
The Cubs could be without center fielder Cody Bellinger for their series against the San Diego Padres.
Bellinger was placed on the paternity list before Tuesday’s game after the birth of his daughter Sunday. A player must stay on the paternity list for at least one day but no more than three. The Cubs recalled outfielder Nelson Velázquez from Triple A to take Bellinger’s roster spot.
Velázquez got the start in center Tuesday and singled in his first at-bat.
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