Pregame Notes: Kyle Hendricks looks to earn Cubs’ split

Following Sunday’s late-inning win over the New York Mets, Ricky Renteria and the Chicago Cubs will look to take the final game of this four-game series in hopes of salvaging a series split.

Chicago (53-70) is  still looking for its first series win since taking two of three from the Colorado Rockies earlier this month in Denver, regardless of how Monday’s matchup turns out. That being said, all eyes will likely be on starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who has been nothing short of dominant in his last five starts.

The young right-handed rookie is 4-1 this season with a sterling 1.73 ERA. His last five outings have all been quality starts – making him the first Cubs rookie to accomplish such a feat. In 41 2/3 innings of work this season since his call-up to the big leagues, Hendricks has allowed just eight earned runs, pitching to the tune of a .220 BAA and a 1.01 WHIP.

The scheduled starter for New York, veteran Bartolo Colon, was scratched from his start early Monday morning. He will be flying home to the Dominican Republic to be with his critically ill mother. In his place, right-hander Carlos Torres will make a spot start for New York. The 31-year-old has made 53 appearances this year for Terry Collins‘ club, but none of those have been starts.

He enters Monday with a 5-5 mark and a 3.68 ERA record. He’s allowed 29 earned runs in 71 innings of work.

Another thing to keep an eye on will be outfielder Matt Szczur, who is making his first big league start today.

This morning’s contest is slated for an 11:10 a.m. CT start. CSN Chicago has the television broadcast and WGN-AM 720 has the radio call.

Here are today’s starting lineups: