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Sports

Kyle Hendricks dazzles for Chicago Cubs in a near complete game — but Seiya Suzuki exits early in the 6-0 win

SAN DIEGO — Establishing consistency from start to start had eluded Chicago Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks.The typically reliable Hendricks has endured a slow start. One outing the veteran delivered a vintage performance, the next he struggled to get in a rhythm. Hendricks’ inconsistencies represent a microcosm of the Cubs rotation’s issues nearly five weeks into the season.AdvertisementBut when Hendricks, 32, is locked in, he remains one of the best starters in the league. Count his performance Monday night in San Diego as a classic Hendricks start. He came one out away from his fifth career shutout in the Cubs’ 6-0 victory versus the Padres. In a dazzling effort, Hendricks limited San Diego to three hits over 8⅔ innings while walking one batter and striking out seven.Hendricks talked manager David Ross into letting him go back out for the ninth at 99 pitches. Ross planned to let Hendricks face the first three Padres hitters, with reliever Scott Effross warming up to be ready to face Manny Machado. But a seven-pitch, one-out walk to Jake Cronenworth prevented Hendricks from going the distance.AdvertisementHendricks said he started to fatigue a little after striking out Jose Azocar to begin the ninth.“I can’t walk somebody 6-0 right there,” Hendricks said. “(Ross) knows that, I know that. He’s got all the trust in the world in me and I appreciate it so much.”Cubs fans react as starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks exits with two outs in the ninth inning of a game against the Padres on May 9, 2022. (Gregory Bull/AP)Hendricks became the first Cubs starter to pitch into the eighth inning this year and nearly was the first to throw a shutout since Alec Mills’ no-hitter on Sept. 13, 2020.Hendricks threw 116 pitches Monday, the third-highest pitch count of his career. The only two games he threw more came in 2016: 123 pitches in a shutout versus Miami and 117 pitches in a win at Cincinnati.“You never want to really come out no matter what it is, but I also didn’t realize kind of how high my pitch count was,” Hendricks said. “It’s good to get to see some of the results from the good pitches. But again, that can’t be the focus. I’ve got to establish what I’ve been doing and try to carry that over to the next start.”[ [Don’t miss] After a quick recall by the Chicago Cubs, can Frank Schwindel get on track to avoid a trip to the minors? ]Hendricks credited catcher Yan Gomes’ pitch sequencing early in the game and generating bad swings for helping him build confidence early. He executed the plan and limited the damage, the latter of which the righty hasn’t always navigated well this year. He neutralized the Padres by effectively mixing in his curveball enough to enhance his changeup (10 whiffs) and four-seam fastball (four whiffs and 10 called strikes).“The thing with Kyle is he’s one of the elite pitchers in the game, so guys are going to try to make adjustments,” Gomes said. “He’s probably got one of the best changeups you’ll see whether it’s to righties and lefties, which is usually not a common thing. So guys are going to make adjustments to him, and right now it’s just up to him to try to catch up to that side.“I think you’re starting to see him get a little bit more comfortable and starting to trust all his pitches.”AdvertisementCubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks throws to first for an out against the Padres’ Jose Azocar during the sixth inning on May 9, 2022. (Gregory Bull/AP)Chicago Tribune SportsWeekdaysA daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.For the Cubs to be merely competitive, they need Hendricks as a consistent, reliable force in the rotation. Stringing together consecutive quality starts is imperative. His last two outings suggested he is on the right track and creating some momentum in May. The Cubs can feed off Hendricks when he gets rolling.“Seeing the way he works both sides of the plate and the movement on his pitches and just kind of the master of his craft he has, it’s really special,” Nico Hoerner said. “The way that he pitches is not common in this game anymore and it’s amazing to see a guy that has mastered his craft and that’s who he is.“A pitcher that is getting early contact and has a good tempo and all that, it’s incredibly fun to play behind.”[ [Don’t miss] Wade Miley will make his Chicago Cubs debut tonight, coming off the injured list to add stability to the rotation ]Right fielder Seiya Suzuki seemingly avoided a serious injury in the win. Suzuki exited the game in the bottom of the sixth because of right ankle soreness. He is day-to-day after awkwardly stepping on first base in the fifth inning while trying to beat out his double-play ball that scored a run to put the Cubs ahead 3-0. The trainer told Ross that Suzuki’s ankle ailment is “nothing major.”Suzuki said his ankle felt fine after the game, but it will be up to Ross whether he plays Tuesday.“I just wanted to be aggressive there and try to be safe to get that run in,” Suzuki said of the play through interpreter Toy Matsushita. “In that case you want to be careful, but my feelings are stronger to be safe there.Advertisement“You want to play the whole game, but I felt that it was going to affect the team negatively if I kept on playing so I decided to come out of the game.”

Sports

Wade Miley will make his Chicago Cubs debut tonight, coming off the injured list to add stability to the rotation

SAN DIEGO — One rehab start served as sufficient buildup for Chicago Cubs left-hander Wade Miley.Miley will be activated from the injured list Tuesday to start against the San Diego Padres. The Cubs still are determining who will start Wednesday’s series finale.AdvertisementLeft elbow inflammation sidelined Miley shortly after he reported to spring training in mid-March. He was expected to be a stabilizing presence in the rotation after the Cubs claimed him off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds in November.[ [Don’t miss] Kyle Hendricks dazzles for Chicago Cubs in a near complete game — but Seiya Suzuki exits early in the 6-0 win ]While the Cubs offense had notably scuffled over the previous 17 games before Monday’s 6-0 win over the Padres — hitting .204 and averaging 3.2 runs in that span, which includes a 21-run game against the Pittsburgh Pirates — the rotation has yet to hit its stride. The Cubs need Miley to help get the rotation in a groove by ripping off a few consecutive quality starts.Advertisement“We’ve had to throw some bullpen days out there just because of some adversity we’ve hit early on,” manager David Ross said Monday at Petco Park. “Just another veteran presence you can get out there and trust to go out and do his thing.”The rotation appeared in rough shape after Sunday. Right-hander Marcus Stroman went on the injured list before the 7-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers without an injury distinction, indicating a COVID-19-related move.Then left-hander Justin Steele, originally slated to start Monday and bumped up to Sunday, exited the game while warming up for the fifth inning because of a sore left thumb.Steele played catch Monday and told the Tribune his thumb felt fine with no lingering issues. Although there is a little stiffness around his lower knuckle, Steele was able to use his slider grip Monday, which is what plagued him Sunday to prompt his removal. He anticipates making his next start.Right-hander Alec Mills’ progress hasn’t changed much. His light bullpen session Sunday at the team complex in Arizona went well, but it remains unclear when he will resume his rehab assignment. Mills initially went on the IL with a lower back strain and made a rehab start April 23, but he experienced tightness in his right quadriceps and was shut down nearly two weeks ago.Shortstop Andrelton Simmons had a scheduled day off Monday as part of his rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa and will ramp up this week.

Sports

7 questions for 7 positions as the Chicago Bears prepare for OTAs — the next step in the offseason program

The next important step in the Chicago Bears offseason program begins next week with voluntary organized team activities at Halas Hall. It’s another chance for the new front office and coaching staff to implement systems and evaluate a constantly evolving roster.The Bears signed six tryout players from rookie minicamp over the weekend and have five weeks remaining before mandatory minicamp June 14-16, followed by a break before training camp.AdvertisementGeneral manager Ryan Poles, coach Matt Eberflus and their staffs will be searching for clues if not answers. Here are seven positions with questions, some of which won’t be resolved until training camp or even the preseason.Bears offensive lineman Dakota Dozier (78) warms up with teammates during minicamp at Halas Hall on April 21, 2022, in Lake Forest. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)Sam Mustipher lined up with the first unit during the voluntary minicamp last month after playing center the previous two seasons. Free-agent addition Lucas Patrick has taken over at center and the Bears would prefer to keep him there.AdvertisementDakota Dozier is an option after he started 16 games at guard for the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, giving him familiarity with the outside zone scheme. Sixth-round pick Zachary Thomas might compete for the job, but it’s premature to suggest the San Diego State product can go from Day 3 pick to starter in a matter of months.The Bears tried to pluck Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills as a restricted free agent, and he would have slotted in at right guard. But that move didn’t materialize, and a month and a half later there isn’t a clear starter.Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins (76) walks off the field after a loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field on Dec. 12, 2021, in Green Bay. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)That might be a bigger question than the issue at right guard. Borom was at left tackle during minicamp with Jenkins at right tackle. If the Bears didn’t believe the two second-year pros had legitimate chances to settle in, they probably would have made a move for one of the unsigned veteran options.“I think they both have a really good chance this year to show what they’re made of,” offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said Sunday.But it’s only a projection at this point.[ [Don’t miss] 4 things we learned at Bears rookie minicamp, including the inspiration Ja’Tyre Carter takes from his late brother ]“They’re working hard,” Poles said when asked about the offensive linemen Friday on the “Mully and Haugh Show” on WSCR-670 AM. “They’re improving. They’re taking coaching, so that is obviously a positive. If you are an O-line guy like I am, you know that we’re not going to be able to tell much about these offensive linemen until we put pads on.“So I love the work they’re putting in. They’re doing everything right. They’re adapting to the new scheme. They’re changing their bodies. Everything that they’re supposed to. But listen, we all know up front when the pads come on, that’s when we really see what’s going on.”ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 119Bears quarterback Justin Fields scores in the fourth quarter against the 49ers at Soldier Field on Oct. 31, 2021. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)Despite the sentiment some hold that the Bears’ offseason moves to this point — which haven’t included any eye-catching moves on offense — hint at a lack of belief in the second-year quarterback, that’s simply not the case.AdvertisementThe Bears believe Fields can take a big step forward in the new scheme and they’re working on refining his mechanics with quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko while giving him the blueprint for the offense. Fields should have the basics down by training camp.[ [Don’t miss] 3 things we heard from Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, including his ‘tremendous’ dynamic with Justin Fields ]“There’s a lot,” Getsy said when asked what he’d like to see from Fields between now and then. “We’re working though this thing step by step. In order to be able to master our craft, we have to master each step.“We’re staying on track. I think he’s — if anything — ahead of pace and I’m real excited to see by the end of this thing if we’re just going to keep knocking out these steps.”Bears wide receiver Byron Pringle warms up during minicamp April 19, 2022, at Halas Hall. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)This question won’t be answered until the regular season, but the more work Fields gets with Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, Equanimeous St. Brown and rookie Velus Jones, the better their timing will be when camp opens. They’ve been running routes on air and will be able to go against defensive players when OTAs start.It doesn’t sound like the team is interested in bringing in one of the unsigned name wide receivers. That puts pressure on Pringle and, to a lesser degree, St. Brown to emerge as consistent contributors with elevated roles in the new offense.Colts defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (97) plays against the Cardinals on Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (Darryl Webb/AP)Eberflus has said he wants to play linemen in waves to keep them fresh and avoid the high snap counts you see on a lot of teams. Only two of his Indianapolis Colts defensive linemen played more than 60% of the defensive snaps last season: tackle DeForest Buckner (77.4%) and end Al-Quadin Muhammad (73.4%).AdvertisementMuhammad, a free-agent signing, figures to be a main cog for the Bears and Robert Quinn should start opposite him. Behind them, Trevis Gipson and rookie Dominique Robinson could help in pass-rushing situations.[ [Don’t miss] Column: Bears haven’t had 2 rookie DBs start Week 1 in 51 years. Could Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker end that streak? ]Inside, the Bears have Angelo Blackson, Justin Jones, Mario Edwards Jr. and Khyiris Tonga. Linemen can get thinned out quickly, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Bears are proactive looking for another player to add to the mix.ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 92Bears linebacker Roquan Smith tackles Packers running back Aaron Jones during the first quarter Jan. 3, 2021, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)The Bears haven’t been able to answer this question, and it’s possible Eberflus and his staff won’t make a decision until training camp.Smith’s athletic ability seems to make him an ideal fit for the weak-side linebacker position, where Darius Leonard has starred in Indianapolis. It’s also the spot where Lance Briggs was a perennial Pro Bowl selection for the Bears under Lovie Smith. But don’t discount the significance of the middle linebacker position Brian Urlacher played.Wherever the Bears use Smith, he should be the most impactful player on the defense. Seeing how he reads and reacts during OTAs and minicamp should help influence the decision — or at least give the coaches an idea of where they want him to begin training camp.Bears defensive back Tavon Young (25) stretches during minicamp April 20, 2022, at Halas Hall. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)The former Raven has been a feisty, effective defender when he’s on the field, but injuries marred his time in Baltimore and the coaching staff had to manage his practice time last season.AdvertisementDuke Shelley is behind him on the depth chart, and he has been underwhelming when he has had an opportunity. It’s a difficult position to play, and considering Young’s durability history, it’s worth keeping an eye on potential slot cornerbacks.

Lifestyle

Ask Amy: Sister wonders how to fix flawed sibling

Dear Amy: My younger sister is 54. She has been divorced three times and has a teenage daughter.Both of our parents are deceased. My sister currently has a nice boyfriend she has lived with for a few years.AdvertisementThe issue is that she cannot seem to keep a job for longer than a year. She has been terminated from at least six jobs (that I can count) in the last 10 years.Although she blames others for these terminations, it is obvious that she is the problem.AdvertisementI want to discuss this with her without her getting defensive.I am recently comfortably retired and always feel somewhat guilty about her financial problems. I’ve had people tell me not to worry about her, because she always lands on her feet.One therapist told me: “Not my monkey, not my circus,” which helped for a few years — but every time she loses another job my heart sinks.Any suggestions on how to help her realize that she is the common denominator when it comes to losing these good jobs and to figure out what she is doing wrong?– Worried Older SisterDear Worried: My inexpert observation is that often within a family system, the people who might benefit the most from therapy are the least likely to seek it, while those around them seek professional help for how to manage the challenges of the troubled relationship.I would not use the terminology your therapist used, but I do agree with the thinking behind it.It is natural for you to want to take care of your younger sister. You probably absorbed this very basic lesson in childhood. This is both the joy and the burden of your birth order.AdvertisementHowever, your sister is not asking to be taken care of. She is not asking to be “fixed.” And you not only want to try to fix her, but you’d also like to control her reaction to your efforts.She likely believes that if the rest of the world would only line up and play fair with her, then she would receive the credit and stability she believes she deserves.However, if she currently enjoys a stable and positive home life, then she is a success along the most important metric by which human beings can be measured. Her partner is a nice guy who presumably loves her, her daughter is growing, and she has a caring older sister who is in her life. She is likely crafty and resourceful in that she lands on her feet after every failure. All good!If your sister ever asks you for your perspective, you should offer it.Until that day, you should relax into your big sister role and accept your flawed but scrappy younger sister, just as she is.Dear Amy: Sometimes, when my husband and I fight, it’s because I’ve been clumsy and done or said something impolite.AdvertisementHe responds in kind, and then insists on an apology, which I give.But when I ask him to apologize for his unkind reaction to my behavior, he says, “You started it, so I don’t need to apologize.”That is how all of our fights end: With him getting an apology and me getting nothing. Do you agree that the person who “started it” should never receive any apology?– One-sidedDear One-sided: None of what you two do would be considered “fighting fair.” This seems more like score-settling than mature adults offering sincere apologies and receiving forgiveness.If you two were in kindergarten and you deliberately hit your husband with a ball, and then he picked it up and hit you right back, a teacher would ask you both to apologize to one another, because you’ve both done something you shouldn’t have done that has hurt the other.AdvertisementTo me, the basic geometry of your interactions seems imbalanced.But apologies, forgiveness, and reconciliation are not points on a protractor.You two should not only settle scores, but actually attempt to reconcile and rebalance. And this man who values apologies so much should learn how to offer one.Ask AmyDailyNo-nonsense advice for better living delivered to your inbox every morning. For a limited time, sign up for the Ask Amy newsletter and get the book “Ask Amy: Essential Wisdom from America’s Favorite Advice Columnist” for $5.Dear Amy: “Snacked” wrote to you about her husband’s refusal to offer their grandchild healthy snacks. I loved this line: “Kids … can happily eat broccoli trees dipped in yogurt — until Mr. Oreo comes to town.”But don’t you think parents take this “healthy snacking” thing a little too far?– WonderingAdvertisementDear Wondering: Anything can be taken too far. But overall – I think this “healthy snacking” trend is an extremely positive step.Got a question for Amy? Enter it here and we’ll send it to her.Sign up here to receive the Ask Amy newsletter to get advice e-mailed to your inbox every morning, and for a limited time — get the book “Ask Amy: Essential Wisdom from America’s Favorite Advice Columnist” for $5.©2021 Amy Dickinson.