Starter Kyle Hendricks received roaring applause as he exited during the Cubs’ 5-1 loss to the Nationals on Saturday.
Hendricks allowed four earned runs, nine hits and one walk with two strikeouts in 5⅓ innings.
“Overall, pretty good,” he said. “Fastball command was a little bit off, just missing. I was falling behind some guys in the second, third and fourth [inning] but then locked in a lot better. [Catcher Miguel Amaya] was really good with me today.”
Hendricks held the Nationals in check for most of the game until the sixth when he allowed three consecutive singles that loaded the bases and led to four runs.
It’s been a whirlwind of a season for Hendricks, who was demoted to the bullpen in May. He thanked the Cubs for giving him opportunities to find himself again and said he’s ready for the offseason to “take a step back, get away from baseball for a minute.” Hendricks said he’s going to use the break to reset and make -adjustments to his game.
Despite a career-worst 6.28 ERA, Hendricks said he still wants to pitch next season, no matter the role. With his four-year, $55 million contract expiring, where he’ll pitch is unknown, but he still has that competitiveness.
“I love competing, and I want to be that consistent force again for my teammates,” Hendricks, 34, said. “That’s what I pride myself on. [I] wasn’t able to do that this year for the majority of the year. So no matter what the role is, just whenever I have the ball in my hand, being that consistent guy for my teammates.”
Rotation consistency
As the Cubs’ front office begins to dissect what went wrong this season and evaluate each position group, the rotation should be the least of its concerns.
Entering Saturday, Cubs starters had the ninth-best ERA in the majors (3.81). The group’s success is a testament to its talent and the coaching staff’s preparation and approach, led by pitching coach Tommy Hottovy.
“It’s nice knowing you have that foundation set,” Hottovy said. “You’re always looking for ways to improve.”
Despite not having starters with overwhelming velocity, the Cubs’ staff succeeded by limiting walks and inducing soft contact. Entering Saturday, Cubs starters had allowed the sixth-fewest walks.
But the surprise of the rotation has been the steady progression of right-hander Javier Assad, who started just 10 games last season. After oscillating between the rotation and bullpen last season, Assad won a starting job in spring training and responded by going 7-5 with a 3.34 ERA in a career-high 142⅔ innings.
For the Cubs to put this season’s disappointment behind them and challenge for the National League Central next season, the rotation will have to continue making strides. Hottovy said some want to pitch 180 innings next year.
“If that’s the goal — those are the things guys are focused on —we’re going to be in a good place,” Hottovy said.
This and that
Right fielder Cody Bellinger played in his 1,000th career game Saturday.
• Third baseman Luis Vazquez made his first career start.