UPDATED: Chicago Cubs playoff rotation

Kyle Hendricks: I present you, the unsung hero of the Chicago Cubs 2017 season. Kyle Hendricks is more than deserving of pitching in Game 3. In 2016, Hendricks had one of the most unforgettable seasons there has ever been by a pitching in MLB history. A 2.13 ERA is unfathomable, even by Kershaw standards. Still only 26, his best seasons are ahead of him as he is nowhere even near reaching the prime of his career. A great Game 3 could put the rumors of the Cubs potentially looking elsewhere for a starter once Hendricks time is up in Cubbie Blue. They will likely do whatever it takes to resign him.

Let’s get to why he should start. In last year’s World Series against the Cleveland Indians, he threw 9 total innings across 2 games, only giving up one run. That one run was given up in Game 7, a memorable Game 7 to say the least. To be able to pitch in the postseason, a pitcher has to prove that they are valuable enough to the team and that they will not crumble under any pressure. There is no scenario that had more pressure as last year’s Game 7, as the team would go on to win its first World Series in 108 years. Kyle Hendricks has proven that he is able to step up whenever needed, and that is why he should be starting Game 2.