Cubs Lose Starter-For-Sale, Weeks Before Trade Deadline

For the second time in the past month, a shoulder strain injury has landed Chicago Cubs veteran starter Kyle Hendricks on the injured list. This time, it comes with only four weeks to go before the trade deadline, which could have a direct impact on the Cubs. 

The #Cubs today placed RHP Kyle Hendricks on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain and recalled RHP Anderson Espinoza from @smokiesbaseball. pic.twitter.com/F7rzNEIoNV

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 6, 2022

The trade deadline is August 2nd, and the Cubs are expected to be sellers once again, with Hendricks likely in demand in a thin starting pitcher market.

"It's not something that's so bad that's going to get out of control," said the 9-year veteran. "It's just not great. It's something we definitely want to get checked out and see what it's all about."

Hendricks has had a rollercoaster of a season; in 10 of his 15 starts, he's either pitched a gem, allowing one run or less, or been hammered for five runs or more. Overall he has a 4.82 ERA, his second straight year in the high 4s, after a career ERA of lower-3s before 2021. 

He still has $14M owed him for next season, but the Cubs will undoubtedly see if there's any interest on the trade market for a back-of-the-rotation starter. 

The 32-year-old hopes to be back in short order, and if so, he could find himself pitching elsewhere come August 2nd.  

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