Amid Kyle Hendricks’ early-season struggles, the Cubs have placed the veteran right-hander on the 15-day injured list (IL) on Tuesday due to a lower back strain. “We’ve got to get past an injury first, and then put our heads together on a plan to get him pitching better, essentially,” said manager Craig Counsell before Tuesday’s game. “… Obviously we, as he’s been going through this, [have been] trying to come up with ideas, and we’ll continue to do that.” Hendricks’ placement on the IL was part of a series of roster moves made by the Cubs as they opened a series against the Astros, marking the start of a stretch of 16 games in as many days. The team also placed left-handed reliever Drew Smyly on the 15-day IL with a right hip impingement and designated first baseman/designated hitter Garrett Cooper for assignment. In their place, the Cubs recalled right-hander Hayden Wesneski, left-hander Luke Little, and first base prospect Matt Mervis. Counsell revealed that Hendricks first reported back pain after his start against the Marlins on Sunday, noting that he felt it while warming up in the bullpen before the game and that it “creeped up a little more” as his outing progressed. Despite allowing fewer than five runs for the first time this season, Hendricks’ performance was overshadowed by the injury, allowing four runs and pitching only four innings.
Hendricks on IL with Back Strain as Cubs Shake Up Roster
