Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks has eventful return to batter’s box: ‘That was funny’

Hendricks has eventful return to plate: ‘That was funny’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Prior to Wednesday, Kyle Hendricks’ last in-game plate appearance came on Sept. 24, 2019. During the shortened 2020 season, Major League Baseball played with a universal DH.

The universal DH is gone this season, and Hendricks’ return to the batter’s box turned out to be quite eventful.

Hendricks roped a line drive into right field during the second inning Wednesday against the Padres. But San Diego outfielder Wil Myers came up throwing, looking to get the Cubs pitcher at first base.

Hendricks narrowly beat the throw, though he collided with first baseman Jake Cronenworth.

Thankfully, both players got up and were okay, and Hendricks had some fun at his own expense after the game.

“We’ve been working on hitting a little bit out here, but we haven’t been on the bases,” Hendricks said after his outing. “First base must have moved on me or something since the last time I was over there.”

He added, laughing: “That was funny. I’m going to be hearing about that for sure.”

Hendricks also joked how, while running to first, he had a moment of realization that a play was being made on him.

“Three steps before the base, it’s either, I’m out or I’m running into him,” he said with a laugh. “The competitiveness took over. It was like, ‘I’m not getting thrown out from right field.'”

MLB is testing larger bases in the minor leagues this upcoming season. Would that have helped Wednesday?

Story continues

“Absolutely,” Hendricks said. “Actually, that’s what we needed, honestly.”

Welcome back to the batter’s box, pitchers.

Maddie Lee contributed to the reporting of this story.

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