Hendricks didn't factor into the decision Sunday against Pittsburgh, allowing one run on two hits and four walks across five innings. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks was placed on the IL on April 23 with a lower back strain, a move that followed an extremely uncharacteristic start to the season. Prior to the injury, Hendricks stumbled to a 12.00 ERA and a 2.10 WHIP with eight homers allowed across 21.0 innings. Considering Hendricks had allowed 28 combined home runs over 221.1 innings the past two seasons and owned a 3.54 career ERA before 2024, Sunday's start was much more in line with Hendricks' averages. While one solid start doesn't mean fantasy managers should expect the Hendricks of old moving forward, it's a positive sign amid a not-so-positive season for Hendricks. He's lined up for a rematch with the Pirates on Friday.

The Cubs reinstated Hendricks (back) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his start Sunday in Pittsburgh, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs initially planned to have Hendricks make the third start of his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, but he'll end up returning from the IL earlier than expected after rotation mate Jameson Taillon (back) wasn't available to start this weekend. Hendricks struck out 13 and allowed just three walks while giving up three runs over 9.1 innings between his two rehab outings, but he struggled mightily over his first five starts with the Cubs before landing on the shelf (0-3 record, 12.00 ERA, 2.10 WHIP in 21 innings).

Hendricks (back) will rejoin the Cubs' rotation on Sunday in Pittsburgh, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks had been slated to make one more rehab start, but Jameson Taillon (back) isn't quite ready to start Sunday so Hendricks will take the ball that day for the big club instead. The veteran hurler has been sidelined for the last three weeks with a lower-back strain but pitched well in two rehab outings, allowing three runs with a 13:3 K:BB in 9.1 frames. Hendricks held a woeful 12.00 ERA in five starts before getting injured, so fantasy mangers certainly need to see something positive before entrusting the righty.

Hendricks (back) will make another rehab start at Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks made his first rehab start at Triple-A (second overall) on Tuesday, allowing one earned run in 4.1 innings while striking out six batters and walking three. He'll remain in the minors for another start, though there is no telling whether or not he'll be pulled off his assignment after Sunday's outing. If his next start does end up being his final appearance in the minors, Hendricks would be lined up to start May 17 against the Pirates.

Hendricks (back) struck out six and allowed one earned run on five hits and three walks over 4.1 innings in his second rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Iowa.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks tossed 85 pitches in the outing and said Wednesday that he "felt great" during his time on the mound, per Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports. The right-hander's pitch count and own comments about his health suggests that he'll be ready to make his next start with the Cubs, perhaps as soon as Sunday in Pittsburgh. Once Hendricks is activated from the 15-day injured list, he'll likely be taking over Hayden Wesneski's spot in the rotation.

Craig Counsell said Friday that Hendricks (back) will start for Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday as he continues his rehab assignment, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks allowed two runs while striking out seven over five innings with Double-A Tennessee on Thursday, with Counsell referring to the outing as "encouraging." However, given how badly Hendricks struggled with the big club before his back injury, the Cubs will give him another tune-up start at a higher level before considering a return to the major-league rotation.

Hendricks (back) is back in Chicago to be reevaluated after making a rehab start with Double-A Tennessee on Thursday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks' line at Tennessee was promising, as he struck out seven and didn't walk anyone while allowing two runs over five innings. Whether he showed enough to be immediately re-inserted into the Cubs' rotation seemingly will be decided after he meets with the team. Hendricks had put up an ugly 12.00 ERA and 2.10 WHIP over five outings before going on the injured list, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the team asks him to make additional rehab starts before being activated.

Hendricks (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Tennessee on Thursday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks landed on the 15-day injured list last week with a lower-back strain but has already made enough progress in his recovery to resume game action. He could need just the one rehab start before returning from the IL, though given his 12.00 ERA and 2.10 WHIP over five outings, Hendricks' performance Thursday may hold significant weight in whether or not he's activated next week.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that they are targeting a rehab start for Hendricks (back) "later this week," Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks posted a 12.00 ERA and 2.10 WHIP over five starts this season before landing on the 15-day IL on April 23 due to a lower-back strain. He had a bullpen session during the Cubs' weekend series against the Red Sox, and the right-hander could be on track to start his rehab assignment this week.

Hendricks (back) will throw a bullpen session this weekend in Boston, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs will map out a plan for Hendricks' rehab based on how he feels during and after the bullpen session. Hendricks was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a lower-back strain. Given his 12.00 ERA in five starts this season, the team might elect to give him ample time on a rehab assignment with the hope that he can get back on track upon returning from the IL.