5 takeaways from the Cubs-Brewers series, including Kyle Hendricks' contract looking better for both sides and improvement on defense
CHICAGO — Here are five takeaways from the season-opening series at Wrigley Field in which the Chicago Cubs took two of three from the Milwaukee Brewers.
———
1. Kyle Hendricks’ contract looks great for both sides.
In this wacky world of increased offense and financial uncertainty, the Cubs know they have no worse than a consistent, effective pitcher tied up through at least 2023.
Advertisement
Kyle Hendricks’ three-hit shutout Friday was a testament to the steady improvements he has made during his career, including adding an overhand curve that he’s not afraid to throw in any count.
This was Hendricks’ fifth career shutout, and his efficiency enabled him to pitch the distance and preserve the bullpen for the rest of the series.
Hendricks could have been a free agent after this season, but he took the security of a four-year, $55.5 million contract in March 2019 with an option for 2024.
Now the Cubs have the services of a solid pitcher while they sort out the futures of Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber — all of whom can become free agents after 2021.
———
2. Patience pays off for Tyler Chatwood.
Near the start of Tyler Chatwood’s comeback in 2019, he revealed that his arm needed more time to recuperate after multiple relief innings.
So his return to the rotation, mostly out of need, has paid off. In spring training, very few pitches sailed far out of the strike zone.
And his sharpened cut fastball to the Brewers’ left-handed hitters Sunday was about as effective as any pitch.
Like Kyle Hendricks, Chatwood showed the confidence to throw any pitch in any count. If Chatwood’s pitches continue to stay around the plate, the Cubs can feel much better about their rotation.
———
3. The defense rebounded.
After botching a rundown on national television Saturday, the Cubs recovered with three exceptional plays Sunday.
Third baseman Kris Bryant turned an inning-ending double play with a strong throw to thwart a rally in the seventh.
Despite the hot conditions, Bryant took early fielding practice with bench coach Andy Green. Manager David Ross was pleased that Bryant’s 0-for-12 start, which he snapped with a bloop single in the sixth Sunday, didn’t affect his defense.
“Kris has really matured in that area,” Ross said. “He has come a long way for me to see how he’s looked so far defensively this year.”
Center fielder Ian Happ caught a deep drive by Keston Hiura before slamming his back into the ivy-covered brick wall in the sixth, and replacement Albert Almora Jr. leaped to rob Logan Morrison of an extra-base hit in the ninth.
“The lack of fear they had jumping into that ivy, coupled with that brick wall behind there, I can’t say enough about that,” Ross said. “I love defense. I’m a defensive-minded person. On an offensive day, I was really proud of our defense.”
———
4. The offense displayed multiple identities.
David Ross doesn’t mind home runs, especially when they produce victories like Friday’s opener in which Anthony Rizzo and Ian Happ went deep.
But Ross took greater satisfaction Sunday after the first six batters of the fourth inning reached base with only one extra-base hit — an RBI double by Willson Contreras.
“The players are at their best when they’re staying up the middle,” Ross said before Sunday’s game. “Our guys can go deep anywhere in this ballpark. Our guys have had great at bats. We definitely need to stay up the middle and the other way.”
The Cubs scored their final four runs Sunday on home runs, including opposite-field shots by Happ and Rizzo.
———
5. The taxi squad is in place.
The use of the designated hitter allowed David Ross to insert third-string catcher Josh Phegley as a replacement for Victor Caratini at the DH spot in the sixth inning.
Taxi rules state that teams can use up to three players if one is a catcher. The Cubs probably won’t use all three spots, and it’s possible catcher Hernan Perez is their only player on the taxi squad.
Perez, who currently is on the South Bend alternate roster, has played at least parts of eight major-league seasons.
———
©2020 Chicago Tribune
Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
