The contrasts were clear on Friday afternoon when the Pirates took on the Cubs.
Kyle Hendricks took the ball for Chicago — a 34-year-old who had once been among the game's best pitchers. 21-year-old phenom Paul Skenes opposed him for Pittsburgh. Hendricks, who entered the day with a 10.04 ERA and a 1.923 WHIP over 26 innings, is trying to hang on. Skenes, widely considered the top pitching prospect in the game, is looking to establish himself.
The final results also showed the difference. Hendricks allowed eight runs — seven earned — on 11 hits over 4.2 innings, striking out four. He claimed he made "just two bad pitches" in the outing, something he even said was "crazy" when looking at the end result.
Skenes, meanwhile, dominated. The newly minted Pirates ace picked up his first career win, firing six no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts and just one walk, being lifted as he threw 100 pitches. Skenes showed that his time is now.
Chicago is in a difficult spot. Hendricks is a respected veteran and the last link to their 2016 World Series-winning team. He is due $16.5 million this season, the final year of his five-year, $70.5 million extension he signed before the 2019 season.
As manager Craig Counsell said of Hendricks, the Cubs "certainly need better...that's not gonna be good enough."
Hendricks' replacement may already be on the roster. Hayden Wesneski has served as a swingman this year, making three starts and four appearances out of the bullpen. He has posted a 2.00 ERA and a 0.926 WHIP over 27 innings, striking out 22 batters with five walks. Hendricks could still be the long man out of the bullpen until he finds his form again.
Chicago is looking to contend in 2024, and sending Hendricks to the mound every fifth day hurts their chances.
