Overview

• Kyle Hendricks returns to the mound for the Cubs on Thursday night after recovering from a capsular tear in his shoulder.
• Hendricks missed significant time last season due to the injury but the Cubs gave him a four-year, $55.5 million contract extension in 2019.
• This season is the last guaranteed year in Hendricks' deal, so he will be pitching to earn a new contract.
• The Cubs could trade Hendricks if he returns to form but he could also help make them contenders again.
• To make room for Hendricks’ return, the Cubs optioned infielder Nick Madrigal to Triple-A Iowa.