Hendricks appears to be lined up to start Chicago's second game of the regular season, behind Opening Day starter Justin Steele, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw Steele has emerged as the team's definitive ace, but the rotation gets a little more jumbled after that. Hendricks makes sense in the No. 2 spot, particularly as a veteran righty with Shota Imanaga, Jordan Wicks and possibly Drew Smyly joining Steele as left-handed starting options. Hendricks won't wow with strikeouts, though he's a steady pitcher who recorded a solid 3.74 ERA across 24 starts last season, giving him some fantasy appeal in the right matchups.

Hendricks, who allowed three runs over 3.1 innings in a Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks on Friday, now has a 7.56 ERA this spring.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks has made three short appearances so far in camp and has allowed runs each time. It's a small sample size of only 8.1 total innings, so alarm bells don't need to go off yet. However, fantasy managers may want to see the veteran righty get going a bit before the regular season to feel better about his prospects early in the year. Hendricks at least looks healthier this spring compared to last, when he had his throwing routine bumped back due to his recovery from a capsular tear in 2022.

Hendricks, who threw a bullpen session Saturday, is ramping up earlier this spring compared to last year, when he was returning from a shoulder injury, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks had his 2022 campaign cut short due to a capsular tear in his right shoulder, and the injury also impacted him in 2023, as the veteran didn't throw his first spring bullpen until Feb. 24. He then didn't make a regular-season start until May as the team built him up slowly. It looks like Hendricks is healthier to kick off this season, so he stands a decent chance of surpassing the 24 starts and 137 innings he compiled in 2023. If the righty can maintain or improve upon his 3.74 ERA and 1.20 WHIP from last season, he should be a solid fantasy option in 2024.

The Cubs exercised Hendricks' $16 million club option for 2024 on Sunday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander posted a 4.78 ERA between the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, but he rebounded last season with a 3.74 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 93:27 K:BB in 137 innings. Hendricks will enter 2024 with a secure spot in the middle of Chicago's rotation, though his fantasy ceiling is capped by his low strikeout numbers.

Hendricks allowed three runs on five hits and three walks over 4.1 innings in Friday's loss to Milwaukee. He struck out two and did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks turned in four shutout frames before stumbling in the fifth inning. He threw just 41 of 73 pitches for strikes and failed to complete at least five innings for the first time since Aug. 4. Hendricks registered a 4.39 ERA in five September starts and finished the 2023 season with a 3.74 ERA and a 93:27 K:BB through 137 frames.

Hendricks (6-8) allowed three runs (one earned) on seven hits across six innings to take the loss Thursday against the Pirates. He walked two and struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks pitched well enough, but the Cubs didn't score until the seventh inning and the veteran righty ended up with the loss. This was his first time covering at least six innings this month, and he lowered his season ERA to a solid 3.66. Hendricks has been his typical pitch-to-contact self this year with only 91 strikeouts across 132.2 innings, though he's still managed to be effective. He's in line to start again Wednesday against Atlanta on the road, which figures to be a challenging matchup.

Hendricks allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out three over 5.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks has pitched into the sixth inning without completing it in three straight starts. He's allowed 10 runs (nine earned) over 16.1 innings in that span, though he's also recorded a 12:2 K:BB in September. The right-hander has continued to provide decent but not outstanding work this year, posting a 3.77 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 86:22 K:BB through 126.2 innings across 22 starts. He's lined up for a home start versus the Rockies in his next outing.

Hendricks (6-7) allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk over 5.2 innings Sunday, striking out four and earning a win over the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks tossed four shutout frames before Arizona finally broke through with a run in the fifth inning. He coughed up five runs (four earned) against the Giants in his last start but had a streak of five straight appearances with three or fewer runs allowed prior to that. Over his last seven starts, Hendricks has registered a 3.15 ERA, dropping his season mark to 3.71 through 121.1 frames. His next outing is currently projected to be a rematch in Arizona.

Hendricks did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing one unearned run on four hits and two walks over six innings in a 3-2 win over the Brewers. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks appeared poised for the win Wednesday, but a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch with two outs in the eighth inning tied the game 2-2, leaving the 33-year-old right-hander with a no-decision. Hendricks has allowed two runs or fewer in four of his last five starts, though he's only been able to pick up one win in that span. He's 5-7 on the season with a 3.59 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 74:20 K:BB across 19 starts (110.1 innings). Hendricks is currently lined up for a home matchup with the Giants in his next outing.

Hendricks (5-7) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk over 5.2 innings against the Pirates. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Hendricks allowed a leadoff single by Ke'Bryan Hayes followed by a Bryan Reynolds double that eventually led to both Pirates runs but held the Bucs in check for the rest of his outing. The crafty vet now has a 3.13 ERA over his past four starts and holds a solid 3.80 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and 68 strikeouts over 104.1 innings on the season. His next start is currently scheduled to take place in the friendly confines Wednesday against Milwaukee.