Kyle Hendricks Making His Case For CY Young Award

By Muk

Kyle Hendricks threw 7 scoreless innings last night against the Pirates, allowing 3 hits, striking out 4, and lowering his ERA to a league-best 2.09. Hendricks is having a career best season, and it couldn't be more needed, as the Cubs continue to play incredible baseball through the month of August, with Hendricks posting numbers similarly dominant to teammate Jake Arrieta's in the second half of last season. Over his last 10 games (9 starts), his numbers are staggering, posting a 0.82 ERA over 62.2 Innings Pitched, allowing only 44 hits and striking out 59 batters. He has allowed 3 or fewer runs in 18 straight starts, the longest streak in the MLB this season. 
With Kershaw battling injuries, I think Hendricks is asserting himself at the top of the CY Young voting. His record doesn't blow anyone out of the water (13-7), but he has dealt with run-support issues, and has been virtually untouchable as of late. While Jake Arrieta has been equally impressive this season, posting a 16-5 record with a 2.84 ERA, it has been Hendricks who has been the talk of the town in Chicago. The Cub's will need their entire pitching staff to stay hot, and go deep in games over the course of the playoffs as the bullpen has struggled, but hopefully Chapman will be the solution they need down the stretch.