Cubs Place Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly on IL

The Cubs made a series of roster moves ahead of this evening’s home game against the Astros. Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly have been placed on the IL, and the team recalled Luke Little and Hayden Wesneski as the corresponding moves. Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago was the first to report the news. Chicago also recalled first baseman Matt Mervis, designating Garrett Cooper for assignment earlier this afternoon.

According to @JesseRogersESPN…
Kyle Hendricks is going to the IL for the #Cubs.

— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) April 23, 2024

Hendricks has a lower back injury and will miss 15 days, likely to be followed by a minor league rehab assignment. Perhaps that’s why Hendricks has struggled through five starts this year.

Drew Smyly has a right hip infringement and will also miss at least 15 days. There is no word if any of the new players will be available for tonight’s game. Ian Happ has missed time with a leg injury, so Craig Counsell might have to battle the Astros with a short bench.

The Cubs still have a spot on their 40-man roster after designating Cooper.

More to come.