1. Struggles in Close Games: The article discusses Kyle Hendricks' struggles in close games, particularly in the bullpen. It notes that Hendricks has a 5.14 ERA in one-run games this season, compared to a 3.67 ERA in all other games. This disparity has been a concern for the Cubs, as Hendricks is typically relied upon to provide stability in tight situations.
2. Lack of Strikeouts: The article highlights Hendricks' declining strikeout rate, which has dropped from 8.3 K/9 in 2020 to just 5.9 K/9 this season. This reduction in strikeouts has made it more challenging for Hendricks to get out of jams and close out games, as he relies more on weak contact and ground balls.
3. Potential Adjustments: The article suggests that Hendricks may need to make some adjustments to his approach in order to regain his effectiveness in close games. This could involve incorporating more off-speed pitches or finding ways to generate more swings and misses from opposing hitters. The article notes that the Cubs are likely to monitor Hendricks' performance closely and make any necessary changes to help him succeed in high-leverage situations.