Kyle Hendricks taking a relief role for the Cubs Saturday may not be likely. But after MLB rescheduled Game 2 between the Cubs and Marlins for Friday, due to Thursday’s weather forecast, it’s not impossible.
“I know that could be an option,” Cubs manager David Ross said Friday. “I’ve talked to him. If something got crazy. We’ve got enough arms for tomorrow.”
Of course, the Cubs would first have to beat the Marlins on Friday. Miami leads the best-of-three Wild Card Series 1-0.
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The Cubs bullpen is also full of fresh arms. Only relievers Jeremy Jeffress, Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin and Dan Winkler have pitched in the postseason. None threw more than an inning Wednesday (left-handed Chafin faced just one batter), and they too had the day off the next day.
But by Saturday level-headed Hendricks will have had two days of rest since starting the Cubs’ 5-1 loss to the Marlins on Wednesday.
Veteran southpaw Jon Lester is pegged to start the if-necessary Game 3 for the Cubs.