Hendricks' status uncertain after COVID-19 precaution

Share

MILWAUKEE — Cubs ace Kyle Hendricks tested negative after being scratched from Tuesday’s start because of COVID-19 symptoms, manager David Ross said.

But that doesn’t mean the Cubs know yet when he’ll next pitch — or even if he’ll avoid the COVID-19 injured list.

“All of that is wait-and-see,” Ross said after Alec Mills pitched four strong innings as a last-minute replacement for Hendricks to help beat the Brewers 3-2.

“He’s just a little under the weather — a lot of the same as the other guys,” Ross said of the four players who went on the COVID-19 IL in the last two days.

None of the four tested positive, Ross said earlier Tuesday.

“There’s so many COVID symptoms that with having a positive on the coaching staff, we’re just taking extra caution,” he said. “Anybody with a little something right now we’re going to scratch and get him out of here.”

First-base coach Craig Driver last week and bullpen coach Chris Young this week both tested positive, triggering daily testing for all traveling personnel and contact tracing.

For now, the plan is for Jake Arrieta to make Wednesday’s start against the Brewers as scheduled, ahead of an off day Thursday.

“Then we’ll probably reassess what lines up best and how we want to look at Atlanta,” Ross said of Hendricks’ status for the weekend series against Atlanta.

Click here to subscribe to the Cubs Talk Podcast for free.

Contact Us