After 10 months, Kyle Hendricks starts tonight against the Mets at Wrigley. And as much as the Cubs can use a solid 6 innings from the Professor, it’s really more about the stability he brings to the team.

Because professional athletes have been known to lie when it comes to their health, we’ll never know exactly when and how Hendricks got hurt or became damaged goods. He wasn’t quite himself before he finally went on the IL last season. But even a slightly damaged Kyle is better than much of what the Cubs have been running out there for years.

At the very least, he’s a cool customer and one that has credibility. Some guys are unflappable, but aren’t very good. We all know guys and gals that are uber-casual but don’t perform that well. We’ve seen several pitchers that have had a harder time calming down in the pitch clock era. Calming or settling down has never been one of Hendricks’ problems, the long ball yes.

I think everyone appreciates his professionalism and how he never appears too high or too low. He leaves the bouncy to others. Less experienced pitchers will benefit from his mere presence in the clubhouse. I’m not sure that Nick Madrigal is the guy that needed to be sent to Iowa. There are a couple other guys that haven’t contributed.

Welcome home Kyle!